Energy Storage Science and Technology ›› 2014, Vol. 3 ›› Issue (2): 133-136.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4239.2014.02.007

• Research & development • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Suppression of supercooling of PCM-water emulsions using nano-additives

ZHANG Xiyao1, NIU Jianlei1, WU Jianyong2, ZHANG Shuo1   

  1. 1Department of Building Service Engineering，The Hong Kong Polytechnic University，Kowloon，Hong Kong，China;
    2Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology，The Hong Kong Polytechnic University，Kowloon，Hong Kong，China
  • Received:2013-09-23 Online:2014-03-01 Published:2014-03-01
  • Contact: Niu Jianlei, E-mail：bejlniu@polyu.edu.hk.
  • Supported by:
    Supported by the Research Grant Council of the Hong Kong SAR government (GRF PolyU 5241/11E).

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Abstract: This study aims to develop a paraffin-based phase change material (PCM) emulsion with a low extent of supercooling for thermal energy storage (TES) systems to improve the cooling efficiency. Hexadecane-water emulsions were prepared and characterized. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in the emulsion as a nucleating agent to reduce the supercooling. The MWCNTs were chemically modified with carboxyl groups to improve the dispersion of the tubular particles in the organic liquid. Thermal analyses of the emulsions by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) indicated that the extent of supercooling was significantly reduced. The concentration of the nucleating agent for an effective supercooling suppression as found to be very low, in agreement with previous findings, and there appeared to be a minimum concentration for the supercooling reduction.

Key words: TES, PCM, emulsion, supercooling, MWCNTs, nucleating agent

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