Investigations on phase change materials for enhancement of thermal conductivity

Abstract

Experimental work has been undertaken to improve the thermal conductivity of the Phase Change Material (PCM), Paraffin Wax (PW) by adding Alumina and Copper particles in increased mass fractions to elevate thermal energy storage efficiency. Composite PCMs of PW-Alumina and PW-Copper with 5%,10% and 15% mass fractions were prepared by sonication. Morphology of microstructures of PW and composite PCMs were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Thermophysical properties were measured using Standard testing methods. Latent heat and Specific heat were recorded with Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Thermal conductivity was tested using Two Slab Guarded Hot Plate apparatus. The results showed an improvement in thermal conductivity and latent heat of the composite PCMs. The enhancement ratio of thermal conductivity was 10% and 80% for PW-Alumina and PW-Copper composite PCMs respectively at 15 wt%.