Conventional and nano-enhanced Phase Change Material melting simulation by using Lattice Boltzmann method: A comprehensive review

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are latent heat energy storage mediums that have received considerable attentions regarding their high heat capacity and applicability for other purposes such as thermal management. Numerical simulation has been applied for these materials to investigate their heat transfer characteristics such as the rate of phase change and energy storage capacity. Lattice Boltzmann method is a promising approach for modeling and simulation of PCMs in both charging and discharging processes. In this article, studies on the melting (charging) of PCMs, with and without existence of nanomaterials, are reviewed and their results are represented and summarized. Corresponding to the findings of the reviewed studies it can be concluded that this approach is able to properly simulate the melting process of various PCMs. Simulation of charging process by means of this method showed that the melting rate is improvable by employing different ideas namely adding nanomaterials, using fins and heat pipes. Applying these ideas have significant impact on melting rate under specific conditions, i.e. more than 52% improvement in the melting rate for adding Cu nanoparticles with 4% concentration. Finally, some recommendations are suggested for the forthcoming studies in this field.