Abstract
Organic phase change material (PCM) with macro-encapsulation is attractive in energy storage applications as it has relatively low cost. This study focuses on using PET plastic pipes to encapsulate paraffin and using low-cost float stones to increase the thermal conductivity of PCM modules as they have a special structure of high porosity. Float stones were immersed in the liquid PCM and an ultrasonic welding method used to prevent leakage of the PET plastic pipes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to discover the appearance of the composite PCM. The thermal performance of the PCM cylinder module was analyzed through experimental tests of a constant-temperature water bath and numerical simulations. The result indicates that this PCM Ccylinder module is superior in thermal energy storage compared with the reference module even though fewer PCM was contained and the latent heat loss is considerable. The pipe diameter is an important parameter when using this kind of PCM cylinder module in water tanks.
Highlights
Using phase change material (PCM) in buildings and heating systems has become a key area of research in the last three decades [1]
Paraffin was selected as the experimental PCM and it was from Fushun petrochemical research
The PCM cylinder module is composed of PCM, float stones, PET plastic pipes, and PET plastic covers
Summary
Using PCMs in buildings and heating systems has become a key area of research in the last three decades [1]. During the phase change process of PCMs, large amounts of heat can be stored or released It is characterized by negligible or small temperature change during the thermal storage and releasing process [2,3]. Due to the advantages in durability of physical and chemical property and super-cooling phenomenon, organic PCMs were popularly selected for the application of phase change energy storage in the former researches [4,5,6]. Using encapsulated PCM pipes in water tanks increases the thermal energy storage capacity and allows the use of low cost electricity at valley hours. PET plasticofpipes to encapsulate paraffin for thermal enhancement the solar domestic hot water and tank.used low-cost float stones to increase thermal conductivity of pipes. Someofexperimental tests and simulations were arranged to present the thermal performance of this kind of PCM cylinder module
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
