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A Study of Manufacturing Processes of Composite Form-Stable Phase Change Materials Based on Ca(NO3)2-NaNO3 and
Yunxiu Ren1, Chao Xu1, Tieying Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Power Station Energy Transfer Conversion and System of Ministry of Education, School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, 2 Beinong Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 1, 2020
Summary
Optimizing manufacturing parameters for form-stable phase change materials (FS-PCMs) is key for efficient, large-scale production. This study identifies optimal settings for enhanced material performance and durability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Form-stable phase change materials (FS-PCMs) are crucial for thermal energy storage.
- Traditional fabrication involves multiple steps, with parameters significantly impacting performance.
- Large-scale, cost-effective production requires understanding these parameter effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various operating parameters on the fabrication of molten salts/expanded graphite (EG) composite FS-PCMs.
- To identify optimal conditions for efficient and low-cost large-scale production.
- To enhance the densification, microstructure, morphology, durability, and thermophysical properties of FS-PCMs.
Main Methods:
- Investigated effects of stirring speed, evaporation temperature, melt-impregnation, cold-pressing pressure, and sintering temperature.
- Fabricated Ca(NO3)2-NaNO3/EG composite FS-PCMs.
- Analyzed microstructure, densification, and thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat enthalpy).
Main Results:
- Operating parameters significantly influence microstructure, morphology, durability, and thermophysical properties.
- Optimal parameters identified: stirring speed 20 rpm, evaporation 98°C, melt-impregnation 280°C, cold-pressing 8 MPa, sintering 300°C.
- These settings yield improved composite FS-PCM performance.
Conclusions:
- Parameter optimization is critical for high-performance composite FS-PCMs.
- The identified optimal parameters provide a pathway for efficient large-scale manufacturing.
- This research offers valuable insights for advancing thermal energy storage material production.
