Thermal energy storage properties of paraffin and fatty acid binary systems

Abstract

In this paper, 20 kinds of paraffin mixtures and fatty acid mixtures were prepared. Phase change temperatures of these mixtures are between 20°C and 30°C, and the phase change latent heats are big. The phase change temperatures and latent heats of these materials were tested by differential scanning calorimeter after multiple heat cycles. The testing results were compared in order to discuss the thermal stabilities of paraffin mixtures and fatty acid mixtures. The results showed that the thermal stabilities of phase change materials (PCMs) are good after 500 cycles, and the phase change temperatures and latent heats have small fluctuations. The thermal stability of fatty acids mixtures is better than that of paraffin materials. Paraffin mixtures and fatty acid mixtures are ideal PCMs used for the wall because of their good stabilities. The results can provide reference and basis for the application of paraffin and fatty acid in the energy-saving.