Based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software

the effect of fins on the heat transfer process of a phase-change heat exchanger was considered in terms of the heat transfer area and flow field. The influences of the fin height and fin arrangement on the heat transfer performance under three types of structures (double-finned

triple-finned

and quadruple-finned) were analyzed

and the optimal structure and specification parameters were obtained. The results show that the fins with a double-finned structure substantially improve the thermal energy storage performance of the phase-change heat exchanger. The heat exchanger with a triple-finned structure can reach the expansion period of the flow field faster

and the symmetrical quadruple-finned heat exchanger has a relatively high melting rate in the vertical and horizontal directions. Under the same heat transfer area

the double-finned structure has obvious advantages. When the ratio of fin length to heat exchange tube length is 1.5

the discharge time is shortened by 80%

and the total solidification mass increases to 87%

which is 76% higher than that of the bare tube.