Phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Various types of solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) have been reviewed for thermal energy storage applications. The review has shown that organic solid–liquid PCMs have much more advantages and capabilities than inorganic PCMs but do possess low thermal conductivity and density as well as being flammable. Inorganic PCMs possess higher heat storage capacities and conductivities, cheaper and readily available as well as being non-flammable, but do experience supercooling and phase segregation problems during phase change process. The review has also shown that eutectic PCMs have unique advantage since their melting points can be adjusted. In addition, they have relatively high thermal conductivity and density but they possess low latent and specific heat capacities. Encapsulation technologies and shell materials have also been examined and limitations established. The morphology of particles was identified as a key influencing factor on the thermal and chemical stability and the mechanical strength of encapsulated PCMs. In general, in-situ polymerization method appears to offer the best technological approach in terms of encapsulation efficiency and structural integrity of core material. There is however the need for the development of enhancement methods and standardization of testing procedures for microencapsulated PCMs.

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Review of solid–liquid phase change materials and their encapsulation technologies

Developments in organic solid–liquid phase change materials and their applications in thermal energy storage

Organic phase change materials and their textile applications: An overview

This paper presents a detailed review of effect of phase change material (PCM) encapsulation on the performance of a thermal energy storage system (TESS). The key encapsulation parameters, namely, encapsulation size, shell thickness, shell material and encapsulation geometry have been investigated thoroughly. It was observed that the core-to-coating ratio plays an important role in deciding the thermal and structural stability of the encapsulated PCM. An increased core-to-coating ratio results in a weak encapsulation, whereas, the amount of PCM and hence the heat storage capacity decreases with a decreased core-to-coating ratio. Thermal conductivity of shell material found to have a significant influence on the heat exchange between the PCM and heat transfer fluid (HTF). This paper also reviews the solidification and melting characteristics of the PCM and the effect of various encapsulation parameters on the phase change behavior. It was observed that a higher thermal conductivity of shell material, a lower shell size and high temperature of HTF results in rapid melting of the encapsulated PCM. Conduction and natural convection found to be dominant during solidification and melt processes, respectively. A significant enhancement in heat transfer was observed with microencapsulated phase change slurry (MPCS) due to direct surface contact between the encapsulated PCM and the HTF. It was reported that the pressure drop and viscosity increases substantially with increase in volumetric concentration of the microcapsules.

A review on effect of phase change material encapsulation on the thermal performance of a system

Thermoregulating response of cotton fabric containing microencapsulated phase change materials

Influence of process parameters on microcapsules loaded with n-hexadecane prepared by in situ polymerization

Ultrasounds: an industrial solution to optimise costs, environmental requests and quality for textile finishing.

Microcapsules containing phase change material for textile thermal insulation were synthesized and characterized Prior to the encapsulation, the formation, the stability and phase change behavior 

Pascal Rumeau

Papers

Thermoregulating response of cotton fabric containing microencapsulated phase change materials

Influence of process parameters on microcapsules loaded with n-hexadecane prepared by in situ polymerization

Ultrasounds: an industrial solution to optimise costs, environmental requests and quality for textile finishing.

Development of Phase Change Materials in Clothing Part I: Formulation of Microencapsulated Phase Change:

Influence of the solvent on the microencapsulation of an hydrated salt