Preparation and flow characteristic of a novel phase change fluid for latent heat transfer

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2010-12, Vol.94 (12), p.2292-2297
• Main Authors: Zou, Deqiu, Feng, Ziping, Xiao, Rui, Qin, Kun, Zhang, Jianjun, Song, Wenji, Tu, Qiu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Flow velocity; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Heat storage; Heat transfer; Latent heat; Latent heat transfer; Phase change emulsion (PCE); Power consumption; Pumping; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Transport and storage of energy; Transportation; Turbulent flow
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2010.07.028

A novel phase change emulsion (PCE) was prepared and its latent heat was measured by DSC. To analyze its feasibility in heat transportation through a piping system, an experimental system was built. The pressure drop of the PCE for turbulent flow was measured and the effects of such facts as the paraffin concentration and flow velocity were discussed. According to the pressure characteristic and latent heat of the PCE, the pumping power consumption rates of PCE to water under the same pipe diameter and a given heat transportation quantity can be obtained. The results show that mass flow rate and pumping power consumption of the PCE decrease greatly compared with water. For example, the decrease can be up to about 73% at V=0.6 m/s (20 and 30 wt%). Furthermore, the results show that PCE of 20 wt% can obtain almost the same pumping power consumption savings as PCE of 30 wt% in a certain flow velocity range. Finally, the applications of the PCE in the area of waste heat usage, electrical boiler and solar energy usage were commented.