Recent Progress in Fin Configuration Optimization for Phase Change Material Melting

Abstract:

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have become popular for thermal energy storage (TES) uses due to their large latent heat capacity and almost isothermal performance. However, melting rates and the overall effectiveness of the system are constrained by their intrinsically poor heat conductivity. Considering latest studies investigating innovative shapes and combinations to optimize heat transfer achievement, fin insertion has become an effective and affordable upgrade technique. The most recent computational and experimental studies on fin-enhanced latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems are covered in this review, with a concentrate on how fin materials, forms, and configurations enhance PCM melting performance. Fin shapes such as longitudinal, radial, tree-like, spiral, T-shaped, V-shaped, fractal, and hybrid fins have been studied with respect to temperature uniformity, natural convection impacts, and melting time decrease. The outcomes demonstrate that improving fin shape could decrease melting times by as much as 70%, with geometric and tree-like fins performing better due to increased conduction–convection coupling. Furthermore, included in the research are design trade-offs involving fin volume against surface area as well as the impact of computational optimization in the design of fin shape. subsequently, research gaps and future initiatives are noted, with a focus on the possibility of hybrid improvement techniques that combine heat transfer fluid optimization or high-conductivity additives with advanced fin design.

• Periodical: Advanced Engineering Forum (Volume 58)
• Pages: 91-108
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-OfUz1S
• Online since: February 2026
• Authors: Ahmed Abdulrazzaq Khalaf*, Hussein Togun
• Keywords: Fin Geometry Optimization, Heat Transfer Enhancement, Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES), Melting Acceleration, Phase Change Materials (PCMs), Thermal Performance Improvement

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