variavel0=<b>Christian Naaktgeboren</b> - naak@nupes.cefetpr.br CEFET-PR/NuPES
<b>Silvio Luiz de Mello Junqueira</b> - silvio@nupes.cefetpr.br CEFET-PR/NuPES/LACIT
<b>Abstract.</b> This paper presents a mathematical model to the thermal process of phase change materials (PCM) inside electronic equipments. The melting/freezing cycles of the PCM in a sequence of 24-hour periods are numerically investigated. The study of this phenomena, in which the sensible heat released by the electronic components is absorbed by the PCM in the form of latent heat, allow the control of the equipment’s temperature. The mathematical modeling of this process consider the container as a one-dimensional plane wall with constant properties. The enthalpy method, associated to the finite-volume techique, is employed to solve the stablished Stefan-like problem. Dimensionless groups are identified in the optimization of the problem’s parameters. Temperature profiles, velocity/ position of the phase-change interfaces are presented based on a real case.
<b>Keywords.</b> Stefan Problem, Change of Phase, Telecomunication, Finite Volumes, Enthalpy Method.