Phase change thermal energy storage technology

as a highly efficient thermal energy storage solution

is critical for improving energy utilization and advancing renewable energy technologies. This study employs numerical simulations to investigate the impact of four distinct straight-fin configurations on the charging and discharging performance of the latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) unit. Comprehensive evaluations are conducted based on key performance metrics

including liquid fraction evolution

average temperature distribution

energy storage rate

charging and discharging durations and exergy efficiencies

to systematically assess the thermal performance of each configuration. The results indicate that

under identical operating conditions

the total charging and discharging exergy efficiencies for the four configurations (Case1

Case2

Case3

and Case4) are 52 %

57 %

53 %

and 53.3 %

respectively

with corresponding total charging and discharging times of 3428

2699

3383

and 3153s. Among them

Case2 exhibits the best overall performance by significantly enhancing the total exergy efficiency and reducing the charging and discharging times. These findings provide valuable theoretical guidance and technical support for optimizing design and improving operational efficiency of the LHTES unit.