Abstract
Performance enhancement of energy storing unite is a very important issue in renewable energy systems. In the present investigation, L shaped fins with two different orientations and various geometrical properties were considered to enhance the solidification performance inside a vertical enclosure. Furthermore, effect of two types of Nano-particles with different concentrations were evaluated. It was found that the application of downward L shaped fin is better than upward form in solidification process. Also, results revealed that case with same length in vertical and horizontal part of L shaped fin has best performance. Furthermore, results presented that there is no need to use high cost Nano-particles of Cu because low cost Nano-particles of Al2O3 have better performance in considered issue. Best performance was related to case 3 which had 12.3% enhancement in the solidification time. Also, between the downward fins, the best case was related to case 8 which provided about 21.5% reduction in the solidification time. Furthermore, it was found that the application of AL(2)O(3) with concertation of 2% and case 8, provided about 27% improvement in the total melting time when compared to the Base case.