Cold thermal energy storage with lauryl alcohol and cetyl alcohol eutectic mixture: Thermophysical studies and experimental investigation

• Published in: Journal of energy storage 2020-02, Vol.27, p.101060, Article 101060
• Main Authors: Philip, Nadiya, Raam Dheep, G., Sreekumar, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Binary eutectic; Phase change material; Thermal energy storage; Thermal stability
• ISSN: 2352-152X; 2352-1538
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2019.101060

•A novel eutectic phase change material is identified for thermal energy storage.•The binary eutectic identified possess a melting point of 20.01 °C and latent heat of 191.63 J g−1.•Thermal conductivity, thermal reliability and thermal stability studies on the new eutectic provide positive reports.•Experimental charge-discharge studies on a cold energy storage system with the new PCM points out the effectiveness of the new eutectic. The surging demand for thermal energy storage (TES) directs considerable attention towards the development of phase change materials (PCMs). This study has the objective to develop a eutectic PCM for effective cold thermal energy storage. The work involves preparation, thermophysical property analysis and experimental studies of a novel binary eutectic mixture. The technique of Differential Scanning Calorimetry is used in determination of thermophysical properties of the prepared eutectic. Results show that the 80:20 eutectic composition of lauryl alcohol and cetyl alcohol with melting temperature of 20.01 °C and latent heat of 191.63 J g−1 is fit for use in cold thermal energy storage. The material also proves to have good thermal conductivity. Thermal stability and reliability studies which are carried out using accelerated thermal cycling tests and thermo gravimetric analysis provide positive reports for the new mixture. An experimental investigation on the effectiveness of the identified PCM is carried out by using it in a cold storage chamber. Experimental studies report a solid improvement in cold energy containment of the PCM incorporated storage chamber resulting in considerable energy savings.