Experimental thermal characterization of a PCM for waste heat recovery.

Summary

In this manuscript, a new organic PCM with a phase change temperature in the range 128.5-134.6 °C is studied. Then, it was investigated if the addition of metallic structures can overcome the very well-known PCM low thermal conductivity issue. Additive manufacturing was used to realize some 3D metallic lattice structures made of AlSi10Mg- 0403 aluminum alloy, having different base sizes (10, 20, and 40 mm) and constant porosity (PCM volume/aluminum volume). The samples have 42 x 42 mm2 base area and a total height of 60 mm and they were filled with 60 g of the new PCM. The samples were experimentally tested by analyzing the temperature field during the charging phase (i.e. heating and melting), obtained by electrical heating (a heat flux of about 31.25 kW m-2, was applied) and the discharging phase (i.e. solidification and cooling), where the heat was rejected by natural convection with ambient still air. Comparing the results obtained using the three 3D periodic structures and an identical sample used as reference state filled only with the same amount of PCM (no 3D structure inside), it can be concluded that a more homogeneous temperature distribution in the material and a lower maximum temperature were observed when the periodic structures were added. Furthermore, the presence of the aluminum structures reduces the total cycle time, allowing to apply this technology for more efficient latent thermal energy storage solutions.

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Details

  • Original title: Experimental thermal characterization of a PCM for waste heat recovery.
  • Record ID : 30030750
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2022 Purdue Conferences. 19th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2022

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