An Experimental Investigation of Solid-State Phase-Change Materials for Solar Thermal Storage

Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine and produce the thermal properties of solid-state phase-change materials appropriate for solar system space heating storage (transition temperatures in the 40 to 60°C range). A major effort is directed toward improving the overall heat storage characteristics of solid-state phase-change materials by increasing the materials’ thermal conductivities. The solid-state phase change materials focused on in this study are neopentyl glycol and pentaglycerine. The results from testing various materials are reported as thermophysical property values. The results from a constant heat flux, thermal storage charging experiment are reported for both the solid-state materials and the enhanced conductivity materials. The storage system modeled is a tube bank with hot fluid inside the tubes transferring heat to the solid-solid phase-change material outside the tubes.