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Synthesis and Characterization of Multi-Modal Phase-Change Porphyrin Droplets
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Macro-Encapsulated PCM Cylinder Module Based on Paraffin and Float Stones
Kailiang Huang1, Dong Liang2, Guohui Feng3
1School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China. huangkailiang_v@163.com.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 5, 2017
Summary
This study developed a low-cost organic phase change material (PCM) using PET pipes and float stones. The enhanced PCM module demonstrated superior thermal energy storage performance compared to a reference module.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Organic phase change materials (PCMs) offer cost-effective solutions for energy storage.
- Macro-encapsulation is a key technique for integrating PCMs into systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of PET plastic pipes for macro-encapsulating paraffin.
- To enhance the thermal conductivity of the encapsulated PCM using porous float stones.
- To evaluate the thermal performance of the composite PCM module.
Main Methods:
- Paraffin was encapsulated in PET plastic pipes.
- Float stones were incorporated to improve thermal conductivity.
- Ultrasonic welding was employed for sealing the pipes.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyzed composite appearance.
- Experimental tests and numerical simulations assessed thermal performance.
Main Results:
- The developed PCM cylinder module showed enhanced thermal energy storage compared to a reference.
- Despite lower PCM volume and some latent heat loss, performance was superior.
- Pipe diameter was identified as a critical parameter for module performance in water tanks.
Conclusions:
- PET plastic pipes provide a viable low-cost encapsulation method for organic PCMs.
- Incorporating float stones effectively enhances thermal conductivity.
- The developed composite PCM module shows promise for energy storage applications.
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