To improve the heat transfer performance of conventional horizontal cylindrical phase change heat storage device

combining with the heat transfer characteristics of phase change material(PCM) melting process

a cylindrical phase change heat storage device with bow section was proposed. By establishing the models for the cylindrical phase change heat storage device with bow section and conventional circular section

the heat storage and release process of the two devices at different temperatures was numerically investigated. The results show that

when the storage temperature is 80 ℃

the heat storage time of the phase change heat storage unit with bow section is 48.37% shorter than that of the one with circular section

and the heat release time almost has no change. When the temperature of heat exchange fluid changes from 60 ℃ to 80 ℃

compared with the phase change heat storage unit with circular section

the melting time reduction of PCM in the phase change heat storage unit with bow section increases from 43.85% to 48.37%. In addition

compared with the improved methods such as adding fins and multilayer casing

the bow section cylindrical phase change heat storage device has simpler structure and lower cost. The research results can provide a reference for performance optimization of phase change heat storage devices.