Lauryl alcohol and stearyl alcohol eutectic for cold thermal energy storage in buildings: Preparation, thermophysical studies and performance analysis

Abstract

Abstract Energy storage is recognized as being of pivotal importance in development of sustainable buildings. This research focuses on exploration of a novel cold thermal energy storage material that effectively imparts thermal comfort in buildings. The newly identified eutectic phase change material (PCM) comprises of lauryl alcohol and stearyl alcohol in the composition 90:10. For enabling its use in various cooling applications, the thermophysical properties of the identified PCM requires careful examination. By Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis, the melting point and latent heat of fusion of the new eutectic are 22.93 °C and 205.79 J g − 1, fitting the intended application. Thermal conductivity studies, thermogravimetric analysis and thermal cycling tests ascertain the material competency. The new eutectic also accounts for successful performance during its charge-discharge studies in a thermal energy storage integrated prototype test chamber. It is concluded that the developed PCM is an able material for thermal energy storage and indoor comfort in buildings.