Heat Transfer Characteristics of Liquid Flow With Micro-Encapsulated Phase Change Material: Experimental Study

Abstract

This experimental study investigates the heat transfer characteristics of a liquid flow with micro-encapsulated phase change material (MEPCM). The MEPCM mass concentration is varied between 0 and 20 percent with average particle diameter of 10 μm. Tube wall temperature profile, fluid inlet and outlet temperatures are measured and the corresponding heat transfer coefficient is determined for various operating conditions. A wide range of the controlling parameters, MEPCM concentration, heat flux, inlet temperature, and flow rate are covered. The results showed significant enhancements in heat transfer coefficient (higher than 50%) and reduction in tube wall temperature (higher than 40%). The results also showed that the heat transfer enhancement curve showed resemblance to the MEPCM specific heat curve.