Development and preparation of novel nano-enhanced organic eutectic phase change materials for low-temperature solar thermal applications

ABSTRACT

Thermally reliable and stable eco-friendly Phase change materials are of significant aid in thermal energy storage technology, leading to improved energy utilization and reliability of the system. This study develops two novel organic eutectic PCM of Lauric acid – Margaric acid (LM) and Myristic acid – Margaric acid (MM), which are chemically stable and thermally compatible for latent heat energy storage. LM eutectic mixture had a melting temperature of 52.66°C with a latent heat of 163.68 J/g, and MM eutectic mixture had its melting temperature at 44.79°C and a latent heat of 197.31 J/g. The phase change temperatures were favorable for low temperature solar thermal applications with good latent heat capacity. The thermal characteristics of these eutectic mixtures are further enhanced with the dispersion of highly conductive Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at three different mass fractions (.5%, 1% and 1.5% by weight). Nano enhancement could achieve exceptional thermal conductivity enhancement in MM eutectic mixture by 110.6% and 83.73% in LM eutectic mixture. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis ensured the thermal and chemical stability of the eutectic mixtures. The optical absorption characteristics were extensively enhanced with nano particle addition, which is highly preferable in solar thermal applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Lauric acid
• Margaric acid
• Myristic acid
• PCM
• nanoparticles
• latent heat energy storage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT University Vellore, India.

Notes on contributors

Deepak C N

Deepak C N is a research Scholar from School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore working in solar thermal systems and thermal energy storage. With a masters in Green Energy Technology from Pondicherry Central University and Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Calicut University, his research focuses on the thermal characteristics and performance improvements of solar thermal energy systems. Recent works include development of novel phase change materials for low temperature solar thermal applications and also exploring the possibilities of nano enhancement of organic eutectic PCM. He has published several articles in reputed journals and international conferences.

A. K. Behura

Dr. A. K. Behura, B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering, M. Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Specialization in Thermal Engineering), PhD in Mechanical Engineering in the field of Solar Energy (Solar air heater) from NIT Jamshedpur, India. He has 17 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering. He has published 30 (SCI and SCOPUS) highly reputed International Journals and presented more than 50 renowned International Conferences and also published book chapters. He has granted 3 Indian patents and published 3 Indian Patents. He has also reviewed many SCI and SCOPUS journals in the field of Solar Energy and Thermal Engineering as a reviewer. He has organised 3 International Conferences and many National workshop, FDP and Seminars etc funded by DST-SERB and ISHRAE. His research area is Solar thermal (Solar air heater), Solar thermal storage, Solar photovoltaic, Heat Transfer, Fluid flow, Bio-diesel, Bio-fuel. Currently he is working as Associate Professor in Department of Thermal and Energy Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.