Preparation and characterization of hybrid nanocomposite embedded organic methyl ester as phase change material

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2017-11, Vol.171, p.148-160
• Main Authors: Suresh Kumar, K.R., Parameshwaran, R., Kalaiselvam, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Construction materials; Crystallization; Energy storage; Fabrics; Fins; Freezing; Heat storage; Hybrid nanocomposite; Latent heat; Nanocomposites; Nucleation; Phase change material; Phase change materials; Phase transitions; Photovoltaic cells; Solar energy; Storage; Supercooling; Thermal conductivity; Thermal energy; Thermal energy storage; Thermal properties; Thermal stability; Thermodynamic properties; Transition temperature
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2017.06.031

In recent years, the utilization of organic phase change materials (PCM) is increasingly attractive especially for the storage of thermal energy in building fabric materials absorbing solar energy. From this perspective, the thermal properties of the new copper-titania hybrid nanocomposite embedded organic methyl ester phase change material (HNPCM) were explored experimentally, for different proportions of the hybrid nanocomposite (HyNC). The test results suggest that, the incorporation of the HyNC (from 0.05% to 0.5% by wt.) into the pure PCM has attributed for achieving chemical stability, congruent phase transition temperature (35.32°C), good latent heat potential (109.14kJ/kg) with reduction in the supercooling degree. The crystalline fins-like structured HyNC particles have effectively improved the thermal conductivity of the HNPCMs from 2.9% to 65.2% without sacrificing thermal stability up to 218°C, for the aforementioned HyNC proportions. Furthermore, the HNPCMs exhibited appreciable heat storage and release characteristics in terms of reduced time consumption during freezing and melting by 77.87% and 70.89%, respectively. The improved thermal properties exhibited by the HNPCMs enabled them be considered as a viable candidate to be incorporated into the exterior fabric elements of the building absorbing the solar energy thereby; the temperature swings in indoor spaces can be regulated suitably. •Search for methyl cinnamate as novel organic ester PCM was signified in this work.•Latent heat enthalpy and phase change temperature of HNPCMs were almost consistent.•HyNC physical interaction facilitated 65.2%improvement in thermal conductivity.•Higher proportion of HyNC contributed for reduced supercooling effects in HNPCMs.•As-prepared functional HNPCMs exhibited good thermal properties and TES attributes.