Melting phenomenon of hybrid nanocomposite phase change material in a heat sink: A numerical approach

The melting phenomenon of hybrid nanocomposite phase change material (HNCPCM) is presented in the current study by using hybrid nanoparticles of Ag-GO dispersed into the pure phase change material (PCM) to improve its thermal conductivity. The RT-28HC is selected as PCM and filled in a heat sink which is commonly used as a cooling device in electronic devices. The relative constant volume fraction of 4% is varied from 0% to 4% for both Ag and GO nanoparticles individually to explore the optimum ratio of hybrid nanoparticles. A constant input heat rate of 5 W is applied at the base of the heat sink and the melting of HNCPCM is observed for each ratio of volume fraction. The results of pure PCM and HNCPCM are analysed individually to explore the effect of different volume fraction ratios of Ag-GO hybrid combinations during the melting process. The results reveal that by dispersing the hybrid nanoparticles in pure PCM improve the melting rate and reduce the heat storage capacity of PCM because of the higher thermal conductivity of nanoparticles. Moreover, the volume fraction ratio of 1:3 of Ag:GO has the better heat transfer enhancement and takes less time for complete melting of HNCPCM compared to the pure PCM filled in a heat sink.