Thermophysical investigation of metallic nanocomposite phase change materials for indoor thermal management

This experimental work discusses the thermophysical investigation of metallic nanocomposite PCMs having a potential application in indoor thermal management. Organic fatty alcohol (lauryl alcohol) was used as a phase change material (PCM). Four metallic nanoparticles, namely Al2O3, CuO, Fe3O4, and SiC at the concentrations of 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, were used to prepare nanocomposite PCMs, and their phase change properties were investigated. The results showed a minor change in the phase change temperatures, and the latent heat values varied between 6.56% and 18.5%. Besides, the degree of supercooling was reduced for nanocomposite PCMs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis showed no chemical reaction between the nanoparticles and the base PCM. The nanocomposite PCMs decomposed above 110°C, higher than the proposed application temperature range. In addition, the maximum enhancement in thermal conductivity of PCM at 10°C with 5 wt% of Al2O3, CuO, Fe3O4, and SiC nanoparticles were about 29.1%, 52.2%, 9.2%, and 17.9%, respectively. The endothermic freezing process was carried out, and lower phase change duration was recorded for nanocomposite PCMs compared to pure PCM. Based on various experimental studies, Al2O3 and CuO nanocomposite PCMs exhibits significantly improved thermal and physical properties than the Fe3O4 and SiC nanocomposite PCMs and can be used as a potential thermal energy storage material for indoor thermal comfort applications.