Abstract
To determine whether phase change materials (PCMs) available on the market have potential for thermal energy storage (TES) systems, it is essential to understand their thermophysical properties. However, conventional characterization methods can be costly because they require specialized equipment and rigorous experimental protocols. This research contributes to the generation of technical and scientific knowledge in the field of PCMs through the economical characterization methods available in the literature. PCMs available in the Colombian market were characterized using the T-History and T-Melting (CHF) methods to determine the melting point (Tm), enthalpy of fusion (Hm), thermal conductivity (K), and solid (Cps) and liquid (Cpl) heat capacities. The experiments were validated by comparison using the international paraffins RUBITHERM® RT45 and RT55 as references. Additionally, the analysis of Hm, Cps, and Cpl was performed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate the standard deviations between the two proposed methods and the results obtained from DSC and the values established in the technical datasheet of the international paraffins. The results of the T-History method showed error percentages of Hm: 1.14%, Tmi: 3.79%, and Cpl: 16.62%. However, the estimation of Cps was challenging because of the difficulty in accurately assessing the area differences when the reference, environment, and sample had very close temperatures. For the CHF method, Tmi: 13.45%, Tmf: 1.00%, Cps: 19.54%, Hm: 2.44%, and K: 9.34%. In this case, the calculation of Cpl was difficult because of the heat losses in the testing module. The thermal properties of Colombian PCMs were successfully determined, achieving significant progress in the national state-of-the-art industry. Moreover, these PCMs have potential for thermal energy storage, showing characteristics comparable to those of other commercially available PCMs for this purpose.
Published Version
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