Performance Assessment of Composite Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage-Characterization and Simulation Studies

Background: The present study mainly focuses on the development of new Thermal Storage Materials (TSM) and compare the performance for thermal energy storage capacity. Linear Low- Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) based Composite Phase Change Materials (CPCMs) is prepared, and its properties are analyzed using characterization, analytical calculations, and numerical simulation methods. The composites are prepared by blending the functionalized graphene nanoparticles (1, 3 & 5%) with three different concentrations into LLDPE. All three CPCMs show enhanced thermal performance compared to the base material, but it is noticed that higher concentrations of nanoparticles increase the dynamic viscosity and produce an adverse effect on thermal performance. Thermal characterization shows improved latent heat capacity with nanoparticle concentration, analytical and numerical results also compared, which shown a difference of 10 to 25%. Objective: The purpose of this study is the development and evaluation of the thermal storage capacity of different thermal storage materials and enlighten the techniques used for characterizing the storage materials. Methods: Composite material preparation is carried out by using twin-screw extruders, characterization of developed material is done through FTIR, SEM, and DSC analysis. For complete analysis characterization, analytical calculations and numerical simulation methods are used. Results: Linear low-density polyethylene-based composite materials can be successfully developed using a twin-screw extruder. This extrusion provided proper dispersion of nanoparticles into the base material, and it is validated by SEM analysis. DSC analysis confirmed the enhancement in the thermophysical properties of composite materials. Conclusion: The latent heat capacity increased around 20% during the heating cycle and reduced approximately 23% during the cooling cycle for base material and 5% addition of nanoparticle, respectively. The comprehensive study accomplishes that the optimum concentration of nanoparticle provides better thermal performance for thermal energy storage applications.