Numerical techniques to model conduction dominant phase change systems: A CFD approach and validation with DSC curve

The present study explores the available techniques to model transient conduction dominant phase change systems by using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) principles. The limitations of available schemes in predicting temperature hysteresis and adapting similar enthalpy-temperature curves for phase transition lead us to develop a new semi-empirical heat source/sink-based scheme. The newly developed semi-empirical heat source/sink scheme allows the users to have the flexibility to vary enthalpy-temperature curves and predicts temperature hysteresis in phase change systems. Validation of numerical results from the developed model are done with experimental measurements and found in good agreement. However this new scheme comes with the cost of less computational efficiency and stability issues in computation. Hence, a new effective heat source/sink-based scheme with similar methodology is proposed to overcome the limitations encountered in the heat source/sink scheme. This scheme is fast, efficient and robust to model phase change systems. Finally the performances and capabilities of different numerical schemes are detailed and choice of the scheme depends on the user and the nature of the problem at hand.