A heat storage module with a polymer structural matrix

Abstract

Test results are presented for a matrix type phase change thermal storage tile module with no surface covering, intended to transfer heat directly to and from room air at small temperature differences. Heat is stored and released by melting and freezing mixtures of fatty acids, which constitute up to half the weight of the tile. The polymeric matrices tested were powders or granules of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), vinyl acetate‐vinyl chloride copolymer (VAc‐VC), and high density polyethylene (HDPE). The tiles keep their shape and dimensions without any weeping of liquid fatty acid, up to 37 or 51°C, depending on their composition. In the case of PVC and PVA, infrared spectra and differential scanning calorimetry indicate interactions between the polymer and the fatty acids, which may increase the surface tension and allow larger matrix pores before weeping begins. Some of the tiles were reinforced with glass fibers, and others with cellulose fibers. The best mechanical properties were obtained with 5 percent of long (85 to110 mm) glass fibers. Paraffin chloride and antimony trioxide served as satisfactory fire retardants.

Preparation, thermal properties and thermal reliability of eutectic mixtures of fatty acids/expanded vermiculite as novel form-stable composites for energy storage

“…In recent years, many composite PCMs have been prepared and characterized in terms of energy storage potential in buildings [12][13][14][15][16]. The manufacturing techniques, thermal performance and applications of building materials which impregnated with PCMs, have been presented and discussed [4,17,18].…”

Capric–myristic acid/expanded perlite composite as form-stable phase change material for latent heat thermal energy storage

“…Porous structure and chemical compatibility with PCM are very important in terms of absorbing PCM by building matrix in high combination ratio and creating composite PCM with good LHTES properties. Two general methods have been proposed for incorporation of PCMs within construction elements: (1) encapsulation of PCMs in polymer matrix mixed with building wallboard [7,8]; (2) impregnation of building wallboard in molten PCMs [5,9]. The first method has high cost disadvantage for encapsulation of PCMs.…”

Poly(ethylene glycol)/acrylic polymer blends for latent heat thermal energy storage

“…The interest in developing the polymer‐based PCMs as novel LHTES materials has been growing in recent years because of their following advantages6–17: (1) Such type PCMs can keep the similar shape in a solid state even when the temperature of the blend is over the melting point of the PCM. Therefore, they are called form‐stable PCMs.…”

“…It is also used in water paints, paper coatings, polishes, and in the ceramic industry, as well as for chromatographic stationary phases. Moreover, PEG has been considered as a promising PCM for solar LHTES applications because of its relatively high latent heat of fusion, congruent melting and freezing behavior, suitable melting temperature range, non‐corrosiveness, non‐toxicity, and non decomposition at its melting/freezing temperature range 1, 2, 12, 13…”