Simulation of solid-liquid phase change in thermal storage canister

The simulation model of phase change thermal storage canister was built under microgravity condition, in which heat conduction of sidewall and more real void model was considered. Simulation of phase change process was carried out using thermal analysis software (FLUENT). Temperature curves of heat pipe wall and outer wall of canister were calculated, profiles of temperature and PCM melt fraction were plotted. The simulation results have positive meaning in both investigations of solid-liquid phase change under microgravity condition and improving design of thermal storage canisters.