The effects of various carbon derivative additives on the thermal properties of paraffin as a phase change material

Abstract

SUMMARYThe storage of thermal energy in phase change materials (PCMs) has found wide applications that enable energy conservation and management. Paraffin is a major PCM with its low cost, wide availability, and relatively high latent heat, yet its low thermal conductivity may become a drawback in high-power applications. In this study, composites of paraffin were prepared with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and activated carbon by a dispersion technique to overcome these drawbacks. Thermal, chemical, and physical influences of incorporating carbon additives with varying structures in paraffin composites on thermal storage capacity were determined. Results indicated that the thermal conductivities of paraffin-activated carbon composites (PACC) and paraffin multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (PCNC) were improved by a factor of 39.1 and 34.1%, respectively, compared with the conductivity of pure paraffin. As a bonus, the thermal energy storage capacities of PCNCs were enhanced by 9.6%, whereas this remained unchanged for PACCs.

Thermal performance of stearic acid/carbon nanotube composite phase change materials for energy storage prepared by ball milling

“…Molten salts, salt hydrates, polyethylene glycol, paraffin, and fatty acids have been extensively investigated as PCMs applied in LHTES. Among the studied materials, fatty acids are considered as promising PCMs owing to their excellent self‐nucleating properties, nontoxicity, small volume changes, admirable thermal and chemical stabilities, and low supercooling .…”

Experimental study on the energy harvesting of a cooktop via thermoelectric module assisted with phase change material

“…In this regard, the PCM, which is widely used for energy storage system, is employed instead of liquid water to sustain the effective temperature difference across the TE module for sufficient long time operation. The paraffin is a major PCM with its low cost, wide availability, and high latent heat . Hence, case 6 uses the paraffin wax to replace liquid water.…”

Designing behenic acid microcapsules as novel phase change material for thermal energy storage applications at medium temperature

“…The latent heat storage technique (LHST) is preferred more because of isothermal operation possibility and high energy density. Phase change materials (PCMs) are essential materials for latent heat storage technique . In recent years research development studies have increased to enhance the thermal, chemical, physical, and economic properties of PCMs.…”

“…Phase change materials (PCMs) are essential materials for latent heat storage technique. 1 In recent years research development studies have increased to enhance the thermal, chemical, physical, and economic properties of PCMs. Ideal PCMs should possess a suitable phase change temperature, high latent and specific heat, small volume change, low vapor pressure, good compatibility with other materials, chemical stability, physical stability, and nontoxicity.…”