Optimizing the Thermal Energy Storage Performance through Nanostructured Phase Change Materials for Medium Temperature Applications

Abstract

The current generation of electricity from renewable resources is insufficient to attain the present worldwide need for energy. The main purpose is to bring more than one updated technique that could build the space in energy distribution. One of the most widely used materials is phase change materials (PCM). Recently energy storage research has been improved PCM is a natural phase transition material, which can be combined with energy storage total systems to conserve renewable energy. Due to their low thermal conductivity, the practical application of organic PCM is limited to thermal energy storage. To overcome this drawback, in this study, D-mannitol PCM and various proportions of nanoparticles (silicon carbide) were used as matrix and heat conduction enhancers of phase change materials (PCMs), respectively. The primary objective of D-mannitol when used as a Phase Change Material (PCM) is to store and release thermal energy efficiently. This compound is particularly valuable in applications requiring temperature regulation, such as enthalpy storage. The data presented suggests that D-Mannitol, a phase change material (PCM), was subjected to measurements of its melting point and enthalpy of fusion using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). At a heating rate of 10°C/min, the melting process reached its peak at 174°C, with an enthalpy of fusion of 326.8 J/g. The assessment of thermal conductivity using a laser flash test revealed a significant increase from 0.7 W/m·K to 1.9 W/m·K upon the incorporation of nanoparticles into the PCM. High-resolution transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed for structural and morphological analyses of the nanocomposite PCM. This marked enhancement in thermal conductivity indicates that D-Mannitol nano PCM is highly suitable for intermediate heat applications.