Influence of Copper Foam on the Thermal Characteristics of Phase Change Materials

The phase change material is a hot research topic in solar thermal storage systems. However, the conductivity of pure materials usually low, which hinders its application facilities. In this study, copper foam used to increase characteristics paraffin. Simulations are conducted compare melting paraffin and paraffin/copper composite material. A visualized experimental device was designed built, material, with volume fraction 15%, prepared by filling part simulation results agree well results. root mean square errors temperature for 0.0223 0.0179, respectively. show that can enhance decrease time. It takes 870 s melt, 3.44% less than This study deepens understanding provides reference design energy devices.