Abstract
The latent heat absorption phenomenon associated with melting of a suitable phase change material can be an effective way to improve the thermal energy storage (TES) behaviour in many applications. However, the most suitable materials to be used in heating and refrigeration systems find intrinsic limitations due to their poor heat transfer capabilities. This work experimentally studies the use of aluminium foams as heat transfer medium to improve the overall heat transfer of paraffin waxes that can be possible phase change materials to be implemented in hybrid sensible latent water TESs. The experimental tests were run in a dedicated setup designed, developed and built at the Department of Management and Engineering of the University of Padova. The effects of the use of aluminium foams as enhancing heat transfer medium were studied by comparing the loading and unloading processes of a paraffin wax with melting temperature around 40°C, with and without metal foams, in a water thermal storage unit. The effects of three different foams with 5, 20, and 40 pores per inch (PPI) were investigated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
