Experimental Characterization of Phase Change Materials for Refrigeration Processes

Latent heat storage units for refrigeration processes are promising as alternatives to water/glycol-based due their significantly higher energy densities, which would lead more compact and potentially cost-effective storages. In this study, important thermophysical properties of five phase change material (PCM) candidates determined in the temperature range between ?22 ?35 °C compatibility with relevant metals polymers is investigated. The goal complement existing scattered information literature apply a consistent testing methodology all PCMs, enable reliable comparison them. More specifically, enthalpy fusion, melting point, density, aluminum, copper, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), neoprene butyl rubber, experimentally 1-heptanol, n-decane, propionic acid, NaCl/water mixtures, Al(NO3)3/water mixtures. results investigations reveal individual strengths weaknesses candidates. Further, 23.3 wt.% NaCl water stands out its very high volumetric density n-decane follows lower but better surrounding materials supercooling performance. importance using methodologies determine when compare PCM performance highlighted.