Abstract Application of different heat transfer augmentation techniques, including the use of fins or foams, were investigated to enhance the melting rate of a solid phase change material within an annulus where the inner and outer pipes were subjected to constant wall temperature. The carbon fibre fins as well as three commonly-used foams (made of three different materials: nickel, aluminium and copper) were simulated. Firstly, keeping the total fin volume constant, the fin number density effect on the melting rate was investigated. After an optimal fin number density was obtained, three possible strategies (unequal length, uneven intervals and tree-shaped fins) were explored aimed at a more comprehensive understanding of the induced heat transfer enhancement. It was observed that with a fixed fin thickness and volume, the melting time is not a monotonic function of the fin number density and can be optimized. Comparing pure PCM melting, the use of optimized fin number reduced over 60% of melting time, while additional 8% and 4% further time reduction could be achieved by appropriately increasing lengths and decreasing intervals of bottom fins, respectively. The use of tree-like fins resulted in a longer melting time, comparing to that of longitudinal straight fins, which indicates it is not always a good option. Finally, the results, primarily the melting rates, were compared with those obtained through the use of metal foams with different metals. It was observed that the melting time of optimized strategy-1 is rather less than those of Cu and Al foams, and approximately 2200s shorter than that of Ni foams. These results indicate that the fins, if designed properly, can be as efficient as foams.