Experimental Study on Thermal Performance of Beeswax as Thermal Storage Material

Abstract

Thermal energy storage is one of the key areas of energy conservation. Identification and applications of thermal storage materials are the primary concerns for fabrication of an efficient thermal energy storage system. In this study, Beeswax was introduced as a natural phase change material for low-temperature thermal energy storage. Surface characterization of beeswax was done using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal properties of beeswax were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). A shell and tube type thermal storage unit was fabricated to study the thermal performance of beeswax as the thermal storage material. Storage material formed the shell part while hot fluid was allowed to pass through the centrally placed copper tube. Temperature variation with time was studied at nine points of thermal storage units. Effect of various flow rates and inlet temperature of heat transfer fluid (HTF) on the heating profile of beeswax was studied. Objective of this study is to analyse potential of beeswax as thermal storage material and its application for low-temperature thermal storage.