Characterisation and thermophysical properties of graphene nanoparticles dispersed erythritol PCM for medium temperature thermal energy storage applications

摘要

Nanoparticles dispersed phase change material (NDPCM) is a new kind of PCM developed by suspending nanosize particles in base PCM for the main purpose of enhancing the thermo-physical properties of the base PCM. In the present research work, the feasibility and thermal conductivity enhancement of dispersing graphene particles in three different mass fractions (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) into the erythritol base PCM were examined. The FTIR spectrum showed that the graphene nanoparticles integrated well into erythritol PCM without affecting its chemical properties. The DSC results revealed that the change in latent heat and phase change temperature of NDPCM is less before and after 100 melting and solidification cycles. Addition of 1 wt. % graphene led to 53.1% increase in thermal conductivity with only 6.1% decrease in latent heat enthalpy. Also, there was a 5.8% decrease in melting temperature and 18.76% increase in solidification temperature relative to pure erythritol.