Types Of Phase Change Materials Research Articles

On the effect of nanoparticles in different PCM configurations in the thermal performance of a packed bed energy storage system

When it comes to storing energy and releasing it when needed, packed bed storage systems are considered to be one of the most efficient systems available. This paper studies the thermal performance of the melting process in a packed bed system using spherical capsules through CFD modeling. The effective packed bed model was used to simulate the fluid flow in the packed bed and enthalpy porosity method was used to solve the phase change material (PCM) domain. The capsules were filled with three various types of phase change materials, while water was utilized as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). Due to the importance of configurations of materials in the packed beds, the effects of various layouts of them on the performance of the system were investigated. Moreover, Al2O3 nanoparticles as a cheap and easily available nanoparticles were added to the materials. Also, the change in inlet flow rate of the HTF was examined. According to the results, positioning the materials in decreasing order of melting temperature in the flow direction is able to decline the charging time of the system by about 1600 s and increase the charging efficiency by 6.8 %. The addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles was able to decrease the charging time by about 1900 s in the best case and increase the system's efficiency by about 7.5 %. Increasing the inlet flow rate of HTF from 2.5 × 10−5 to 5 × 10−5 (1.5–3 Lit/min) reduced the charging time about 1800 s.

Enhancing Building Thermal Inertia: Impact of Surface-to-Volume Ratio on Multi-Layered PCM-Integrated Brick Walls

Abstract In this paper, a numerical study is conducted to investigate the effect of using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in building bricks to improve the thermal inertia of buildings in hot and dry regions. A numerical model is developed to simulate the heat transfer in a brick with cylindrical holes filled with PCM. The effects of the number, type, and arrangement of PCMs on the thermal performance of the brick are investigated. The results show that the use of PCMs can significantly reduce the heat flux through the brick. The optimal number of PCMs is found to be three layers. The optimal type of PCM for the first layer is n-Eicosane, for the second layer is Paraffin Wax, and for the third layer is n-Octadecane. The enhanced brick configuration, with specific PCM arrangements, reduced total heat flux by up to 71.53% in the simulation period, compared to a brick without PCM.

Using phase change material nanoparticles for thermal storage to protect healthy tissues by hyperthermia method assisted by a magnetic field for cancer tissue ablation

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) is a promising cancer treatment due to its minimal invasiveness and limited adverse effects. It targets tumor cells by heating them to a specific temperature, utilizing heat generated by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in response to an external magnetic field. This study is a numerical theoretical research, in which tissue cancer is embedded with MNPs and healthy tissue is embedded with phase change materials (PCMs). Among different materials, PCM paraffin wax is selected because it is recognized as one of the most functional types of paraffin-based PCM, known for its high thermal storage capability, and is a also subset of non-toxic organic PCM materials. The novelty of this work lies in using a magnetic field produced by a solenoid to approach real conditions and using phase change materials as energy storage materials to protect healthy cells. The finite element method (FEM) by COMSOL Multi-physics commercial software is used to solve governing equations. The effect of using PCMs on tissue temperature distribution is carefully studied. The results of this study show that the use of PCM significantly reduces the temperature of healthy tissues around the tumor in a controllable temperature range, leading to less tissue damage when MNPs release heat. The effect of PCMs on tissue temperature distribution increases with the rise of their volume fraction. The results show that moving the tumor from the center to the outside of the coil decreases the temperature inside the tumor, and the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform. Results from this study can be used to add PCM for MFH to control the temperature of tissue more accurately.

A numerical investigation of novel segmented PCM blocks filled with different phase change material cooling for Lithium-Ion battery

Phase Change Material (PCM) embedded systems have gained attention for their latent heat absorption and release capabilities in Battery Thermal Management. However, conventional PCM-cooled battery systems often exhibit low heat absorption rates, resulting in temperature irregularities and uneven melting. To overcome these challenges, this study introduces an innovative cooling system using segmented PCM blocks, each storing different types of PCMs. The PCM block is divided into three or four parts, employing distinct PCMs based on the observed heat propagation pattern during high-current discharging. A three dimensional numerical investigations are conducted in ANSYS Fluent using the MSMD battery model to explore three segmented and four segmented PCM blocks, comparing them with a single PCM block. The parametric variations considered in this work include varying PCM block thickness, PCM types, and discharging rates. Results show that increasing PCM thickness controls temperature rises but also raises the system’s weight. The study demonstrates that incorporating different PCMs in four segmented block maintains battery temperature at 319 K, with uniform distribution across the surface. The proposed PCM-based battery thermal management system reduces system weight by 17.84 % and enhances PCM heat absorption by 32.59 % compared to a conventional PCM block system when discharging at a high current rate of 4C to stay within the safe operating temperature range.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Macroencapsulated Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage.

Among the different types of phase change materials, paraffin is known to be the most widely used type due to its advantages. However, paraffin's low thermal conductivity, its limited operating temperature range, and leakage and stabilization problems are the main barriers to its use in applications. In this research, a thermal energy storage unit (TESU) was designed using a cylindrical macroencapsulation technique to minimize these problems. Experimental and numerical analyses of the storage unit using a tubular heat exchanger were carried out. The Ansys 18.2-Fluent software was used for the numerical analysis. Two types of paraffins with different thermophysical properties were used in the TESU, including both encapsulated and non-encapsulated forms, and their thermal energy storage performances were compared. The influence of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet conditions on the charging performance (melting) was investigated. The findings demonstrated that the heat transfer rate is highly influenced by the HTF intake temperature. When the effect of paraffin encapsulation on heat transfer was examined, a significant decrease in the total melting time was observed as the heat transfer surface and thermal conductivity increased. Therefore, the energy stored simultaneously increased by 60.5% with the encapsulation of paraffin-1 (melting temperature range of 52.9-60.4 °C) and by 50.7% with the encapsulation of paraffin-2 (melting temperature range of 32.2-46.1 °C), thus increasing the charging rate.

Spectral optical performance of phase-change-material-filled glass-block system: Experimental evaluation and comparative exploration

Research on sustainable building design is pushing boundaries to introduce innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and improve user comfort. The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) into transparent façade elements has gained substantial attention; however, its widespread application in current construction practices remains limited. This study examined the solar/light transmittance of PCM-based materials embedded in transparent façade elements, focusing on providing and comparing the optical properties of modular glass blocks integrated with PCM measured experimentally in a laboratory setting. Optical properties of multi-layer and non-homogeneous systems represent a more complex problem in terms of proper characterisation. To overcome this limitation, more comprehensive approaches can be considered, including integrating spheres to perform measurements on the complex nonhomogeneous glass system. This study employed spectrophotometric measurements within the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectra by two different measurements methods: a direct method and one using an integrating sphere. Additionally, the investigation was based on a comparison between clear and various PCM-filled glass blocks. The results demonstrated that the direct method facilitated reliable spectral transmittance measurements with deviations not exceeding 3 %. In addition, the results revealed that paraffinic PCM glass blocks in liquid phases could achieve up to 90 % of light transmission and act as a highly transparent system in the visible region compared with conventional air-based glass blocks (up to 77 %). However, in the NIR region, the spectral transmission of PCM glass blocks was reduced by half (around 46 %). Depending on the PCM type in solid phases, the visible transmission is significantly reduced, which is from 5 % to a maximum of 19 %. This study contributes to the expanding knowledge base on adaptive building systems, particularly those related to PCM integration in transparent façade components.

Efficiency enhancement in direct thermal energy storage systems using dual phase change materials and nanoparticle additives

The study aims to enhance the reliability of direct thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) and nanoparticles, ensuring sustained heat supply even during periods of low or intermittent solar radiation. The study specifically investigates a TES system comprising a double-cylindrical shell container with two distinct PCM types: petroleum jelly or petrolatum with 1 % Al2O3 nanoparticles by volume in the outer shell and wax in the inner shell. Additionally, a redesigned heat exchanger is employed to improve heating efficiency. The study examines two configurations: an open system and a closed system with a storage water tank. The deliberate strategy of augmenting PCM volume is aimed at enhancing heat transfer during both the charging and discharging phases. The performance of closed and open system configurations is compared, with a focus on highlighting the temperature profiles during the charging and discharging processes. The incorporation of 1 % Al2O3 nanoparticles in the PCMs led to a significant enhancement in efficiency, with the two-phase materials case achieving the highest efficiency of 73 %. Furthermore, the utilization of nanoparticles resulted in an improvement in efficiency of approximately 5 %. These findings demonstrate the potential of using dual PCM layers with NPs additives in direct TES systems.

Design optimization of the cooling systems with PCM-to-air heat exchanger for the energy saving of the residential buildings

Driven by a rapid surge in cooling demand in buildings, the energy consumption dedicated to cooling has experienced remarkable growth. To address this challenge, the adoption of latent heat thermal energy storage utilizing phase change materials (PCM) has gained significant momentum in recent years. This paper presents the design and evaluation of an integrated latent heat thermal energy storage (ILHTES) system tailored for residential buildings. This system integrates a PCM-to-air heat exchanger (PAHX) with an air conditioning unit. Modelica language is utilized to develop a numerical model for the ILHTES system. The heat transfer model of the PAHX is developed and validated using existing literature data. To simulate the dynamic behavior and energy consumption of the residential building, the open-source library AixLib is adopted. The developed ILHTES system model is used for the optimization of key design variables, including the PCM slab thickness and air flow rate, based on the results of long-term simulations covering the entire cooling season. Evaluation of the energy saving potential of the optimized ILHTES systems is carried out in comparison to conventional air conditioning systems, considering various climatic conditions in five European cities. The results highlight the profound impact of PCM types on the Energy Saving Ratio (ESR) throughout the entire cooling season. Among the four commercially available PCMs examined—RT27, RT25, RT20, and RT18—RT25 consistently outperforms the others. Across all five cities investigated, using RT25 leads to a minimum ESR of 16% in Catania and a maximum ESR of 44.7% in Stockholm for the entire cooling season.

Phase change materials in textiles: synthesis, properties, types and applications – a critical review

Phase change properties of clothing gain attention of the researcher now for their significant unique ability to absorb, release, store, and deposit temperature during phase transition. Phase change materials have been widely used and utilized now in various fields, as well as in textiles. In apparel products, phase change materials are used to introduce various special features, especially its make garments smart or have technical functions. Various researchers pay attention to this area for its large organic and inorganic resources. This review paper summarizes the road map of phase change materials in textiles, including the way of synthesis, the characteristics of phase change materials, and their applications in smart textiles. In addition, the diverse usage of phase change materials in different textiles is discussed. It also tries to cover the principles of phase change behavior, phase change material types, and their thermal properties. After that, the paper will try to mention the potential benefits and challenges associated with utilizing phase change materials in various applications that have been discussed here. Finally, this paper concludes with the mass acceptance of phase change materials in various technological advancements, along with a short note about future research opportunities.

Structure Design and Heat Transfer Performance Analysis of a Novel Composite Phase Change Active Cooling Channel Wall for Hypersonic Aircraft.

Efficient and stable heat dissipation structure is crucial for improving the convective heat transfer performance of thermal protection systems (TPSs) for hypersonic aircraft. However, the heat dissipation wall of the current TPS is limited by a single material and structure, inefficiently dissipating the large amount of accumulated heat generated during the high-speed maneuvering flight of hypersonic aircraft. Here, a convection cooling channel structure of TPS is proposed, which is an innovative multi-level structure inspired by the natural honeycomb. An active cooling channel (PCM-HC) is designed by using a variable-density topology optimization method and filled with phase change material (PCM). Numerical simulations are used to investigate the thermal performance of the PCM-HC wall, focusing on the influence of PCM properties, structural geometric parameters, and PCM types on heat transfer characteristics. The results demonstrate that the honeycomb-like convection cooling channel wall, combined with PCM latent heat of phase change, exhibits superior heat dissipation capability. With a heat flux input of 50 kW/m2, the maximum temperature on the inner wall of PCM-HC is reduced by 12 K to 20 K. Different PCMs have opposing effects on heat transfer performance due to their distinct thermophysical properties. This work can provide a theoretical basis for the design of high-efficiency cooling channel, improving the heat dissipation performance in the TPS of hypersonic aircraft.

Analyzing the impact of using phase change materials on energy consumption in buildings: A case study

The use of phase change material (PCM) in buildings has been shown to be a promising method for reducing energy consumption. This study investigates the effectiveness of using PCM in reducing energy consumption in a typical residential building located in Podgorica, Montenegro, a city with mild winters and hot and dry summers. EnergyPlus software was used to simulate the thermal performance of a building with and without the incorporation of PCM. Building models were created in a way to incorporate PCM in form of a panel, and simulations were done with five different types of PCM, five different thicknesses and three different positions (outside, inside and middle of building envelope). The simulations were performed over a one-year period to account for seasonal variations in temperature and humidity. The simulation results indicate that the use of PCM in buildings design can significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings located in climates similar to Podgorica. This approach can also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption. These findings provide valuable insights for building designers and policymakers looking to reduce energy consumption and improve the sustainability of buildings. In conclusion, the results of this study support the use of PCM in building design as an effective strategy for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. Further research is needed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of using PCM in buildings design and to explore the potential for their widespread implementation.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fiberboard Made of MDF Residues and Phase Change Materials

The wood-based panel industry is experiencing an excessive accumulation of solid residues from the production of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels and moldings. It is possible to create new MDF products with acceptable physical and mechanical properties by revaluing MDF residues. Additionally, those products’ thermal properties can be improved by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs). This study aims to develop a wood-based fiberboard made of MDF residues, capable of storing thermal energy. Two types of PCMs (liquid and microencapsulated), two PCM ratios (2% and 6%), and two types of adhesives (urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde) were used to produce eight different types of panels. The vertical density profile, thickness swelling, water absorption, internal bond (IB), and static bending properties—modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR)—were determined for each panel type. The specific heat of the panels was also determined. The results show the panels’ densities were greater than 700 kg/m3. Thickness swelling in water improved by 23% compared to the reference value of the control panel PCMs after PCM incorporation. The highest IB value was 1.30 MPa, which is almost three times the minimum required by regulation standards. The incorporation of PCMs reduced the panels’ bending properties compared to the properties of the control panels. Even though the values obtained are sufficient to comply with the minimum values set out in ANSI standard A208.2 with an MOE value of 2072.4 MPa and the values obtained are sufficient to comply with the minimum standards with an MOE value of 2072.4 MPa and an MOR value of 16.4 MPa, when microencapsulated PCM is used, the specific heat of the panels is increased by more than 100% over that of the control panels. This study developed fiberboards with adequate physical and mechanical properties and capable of storing thermal energy.

Performance comparison of a fixed-bed solar grain dryer with and without latent heat storage

Latent heat storage has gained attention as an energy storage method for solar drying due to its high storage density. However, its overall impact in drying performance has not been sufficiently investigated. This study presents detailed, validated mathematical models necessary for the transient simulation of a solar dryer with latent heat storage with the aim of assessing the effect that such storage has on the deep bed drying of wheat. Computer simulations were run with weather data from Germany. A fixed bed dryer with a capacity of one ton was assumed and the size of the solar air heater and latent heat storage unit was varied, as well as the type of phase change material. In drying wheat without storage from 22% to 13% w.b. (0.28 to 0.15 kg kg−1 d.b.), increasing solar collecting area from 6 to 15 m2 reduced drying time by around 50% but resulted in excessive temperatures. At equal collecting area, the use of latent heat storage changed drying time by −5% to +13.9% depending on component sizes, but the drying air temperature was limited effectively if solar collection and storage units are properly sized in relation to each other. Failure to do so can result in higher drying temperatures than recommended or bring little additional benefit. Moisture uniformity at the end of drying was slightly improved by up to 10% in the presence of the storage unit due to a reduction in the average drying temperature. The presented models and corresponding simulation programs are a useful tool to size the components of a solar dryer with and without latent heat storage.

مراجعة على التقييم الاقتصادي لدمج المواد المغلفة متغيرة الطور في أغلفة المباني

The worldwide energy crisis has made energy-saving a topic of concern in almost every country. Previous research has explored the use of thermal energy storage materials (TES), such as phase change materials (PCMs), as an effective energy-saving technique. Among various immersion techniques, macro-encapsulation has proven to be efficient, safe, and convenient. However, choosing the right PCM system can be complicated due to the variety of available PCM types, encapsulation materials, and encapsulation shapes. Moreover, while macro-encapsulated PCM systems are efficient, their feasibility depends on several factors, including energy prices, economic situation, and climatic conditions. Therefore, this research aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help create a deeper understanding of the design and application of macro-encapsulated PCM systems. It explains the different types of PCM, encapsulation materials, and encapsulation shapes, guiding the selection for the most appropriate system regarding the surrounding environment. Additionally, it aims to present a guideline for conducting feasibility studies on energy-saving systems such as PCM. A total of 80 research papers covering the intersection between the thermal performance of PCM and the economic assessment have been categorized, studied, and analyzed in order to identify the most accurate method of assessing the system’s feasibility. By providing a base knowledge regarding the various types of each element of the system and the factors that govern the selection of each, this research will help engineers appropriately design the system. In addition, providing a detailed guideline to the assessment of the system shall aid the decision makers in determining the system’s feasibility which encourages its application. Finally, the research investigates and addresses the key issues for future studies.

Composite phase change materials with room-temperature-flexibility

Phase change materials (PCMs) have attracted considerable attention for effectively addressing the problem of thermal energy supply–demand mismatch. However, the practical application of PCMs is still hindered by inherent challenges such as crystalline rigidity, leakage susceptibility, and poor thermal conductivity. In this research, on the basic of thermal control provided by phase change storage and the elastic behavior supported by thermoplastic polyester elastomer at room temperature, we fabricated a new type of composite PCM (CPCM) that exhibits flexibility even at room temperature. This CPCM demonstrates good shape and thermal stability. Furthermore, the carbon nanotubes-COOH modified with lauric acid (LA) can be uniformly dispersed within the CPCM matrix, thereby enhancing the thermal conductivity of the CPCM. Additionally, the composite material exhibits a promising thermal management performance for high-temperature lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These findings open up new possibilities for the development of room- temperature flexible CPCMs.

Energy assessment of a sliding window integrated with PV cell and multiple PCMs

Windows often serve as a thermal weak point between a room's interior and the outside world. As such, we are exploring a new design for a sliding window that integrates both multiple phase change materials (PCMs) and photovoltaic (PV) cells. During the day, the PV cells produce electricity, which can be used in the building during the night. The sliding mechanism introduces several innovative features: use the PV-PCM glass unit (as the external sliding layer) or a standard glass unit (the internal sliding component). The PV-PCM window also can be used as a sliding light shutter or curtain. The PV cell in the proposed design is operated in the closed and open case due to the sliding design. We compared the thermal performance of a single PCM type (either RT-35or RT-27) with a combination of multiple PCMs (RT-35-RT27). Further, we evaluated various thickness combinations of the multi-PCM configuration (RT-35-RT27), including 2.5mm–7.5mm, 5 mm–5 mm, and 7.5 mm–2.5 mm, to identify the best-performing setup. Over the course of a day, the multi-PCM setup (RT-35-RT27) maintains a consistently lower average interior wall temperature than using a single PCM. Among the configurations tested, the 5 mm–5 mm multi-PCM setup (RT-35-RT27) emerged as the most effective, displaying steadier results than the other variations. Compared to a standard single glass pane, the proposed PV-PCM window reduced the highest interior wall temperature by up to 46 % when employing multiple PCMs. As a result, we advocate for the adoption of this innovative sliding window in future building designs.

Harnessing Nanomaterials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Transpired Solar Collectors: A Review of Their Integration in Phase-Change Materials

The building sector plays an important role in the global climate change mitigation objectives. The reduction of CO2 emissions and energy consumption in the building sector has been intensively investigated in the last decades, with solar thermal energy considered to be one of the most promising solutions due to its abundance and accessibility. However, the discontinuity of solar energy has led to the study of thermal energy storage to improve the thermal performance of solar thermal systems. In this review paper, the integration of various types of phase-change materials (PCMs) in transpired solar collectors (TSC) is reviewed and discussed, with an emphasis on heat transfer enhancements, including nanomaterials. Thermal energy storage applied to TSC is studied in terms of design criteria, materials technologies, and its impact on thermal conductivity. This review highlights the potential of nanomaterial technology integration in terms of thermal performance improvements. The utilization of nanomaterials in solar walls holds the potential to significantly enhance their performance. The integration of diverse materials such as graphene, graphite, metal oxides, and carbon nanoparticles can pave the way for improving thermal conductivity.

Synthesis and properties of biomass derived carbon/PEG composite as photothermal conversion effective phase change material for functional concrete

Mixing phase change material (PCM) into concrete is a practical strategy for functionalizing concrete as an energy-storage unit. This study aims to invent an efficient photo-thermal conversion type PCM for the manufacturing energy storage functional concrete, which meet the needs of hydration heat storage and thermal storage in service. To solve the liquid leakage problem of PCM, a novel bamboo-based hydrothermal carbon sphere (HCS) with unique mesoporous structure was prepared to pack polyethylene glycol (PEG) to make shape stable PCM. The photo-thermal material nano-Ag was successfully introduced into the composite PCM through a high-voltage electrostatic field. To understand the stability and performance of the PCM for concrete use, the structural composition and thermal storage efficiency of Ag@HCS-CNTs/PEG in simulated concrete pore solution (a highly alkaline solution containing potassium, sodium, and calcium cations) were systematically studied via multiple characterization methods. After being soaked in concrete pore solution for 7 days, the PCM shows outstanding thermal storage density (147 J/g), photo-thermal conversion efficiency (110.6%), and resistance to Na+, Mg2+, Cl− and SO42−. In addition, the biomass subtracted PCM preparation has low energy consumption and low carbon emission features. These open a window of realistic PCM application in the structural concrete, insulation porous walls and energy storage buildings.

Experimental investigation on the use of PCM heat exchangers in Geo-energy piles and walls

The current paper aims to experimentally investigate the thermal performance of geo-energy piles and walls fabricated with Phase Change heat exchangers. Four prototype concrete geo-energy structures (i.e., piles and walls) were tested using two distinct types of heat exchangers, including standard heat exchangers and PCM heat exchangers. The PCM heat exchangers utilized in the current study were filled up with two different types of Phase Change Materials (PCM) with melting points of 26 °C and 42 °C for geo-energy piles and walls, respectively. The thermal efficiency of the geo-energy piles/walls was experimentally assessed over 100 h of continuous operation under cycles of cooling and heating. The findings illustrated that using PCM heat exchangers led to enhancing the heat transfer efficiency of geo-energy piles by 75 % and 43 % in heating and cooling operations, respectively, compared to those achieved using a standard heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heat transfer performance of geo-energy walls with a PCM heat exchanger was enhanced by 43 % and 32 % in heating and cooling tests, respectively, compared to those achieved using a standard heat exchanger. Moreover, the findings indicated that the inclusion of PCM heat exchangers in geo-energy structures contributed to reducing: the impact on soil temperature and thermal interference radius as well as the potential structural damage due to thermal stress.

Effect of Dry Ice Gel PCM on Wall Freezer Temperature Variance

The increasing population growth in cities will cause environmental detriments such as global warming and ozone depletion. The electricity need will increase in the future due to the higher temperature in the cities, leading to the higher usage of cooling equipment such as freezers. The current study proposed a method to improve the freezer's energy efficiency by using phase change material of dry ice gel. Most of previous studies only focused on the impact of position of phase change materials on the temperature of wall freezer while no previous studies consider the detailed methodology of measurement and the impact of phase change material based on dry ice gel to the variance of wall temperature. The sensor thermocouple type T and data logger ADAM 6018+ were used to measure the wall temperature of the freezer. The results showed that the sensor thermocouple was verified to the calibrated thermometer with R2 = 0.99. The installation of phase change material based on dry ice gel on the wall freezer could maintain the temperature around 1-2oC while the freezer was turned off for 4, 6, and 8 hours. The efficiency of freezer could be increased from 10% to 30% due to using dry ice gel phase change material. The future study should investigate the various types of phase change materials and the new combination of phase change materials.