Innovative Energy & Research
Open Access

Abstract

The heat accumulators based on phase change materials (PCM) operate in charging/discharging cycles. Their effectiveness depends on the heat transfer rate and value of the latent heat of melted and solidified materials. Usually, they characterized by low thermal conductivity what increases thermal gradient inside the chamber and prolongs charging time. In order to enhance heat transfer from energy source various metal shapes like fins, pipes or foams can be embedded in PCM. Investment casting method offers manufacturing highly porous structures with developed surface and appropriate stiffness. In this work examination of heat transfer of composite PCM included paraffin and aluminium alloy spatial casting are shown. Thermal performance of laboratory accumulator with pure paraffin was tested and compared with results determined when metal foam or honeycomb structures were introduced into paraffin. Metal inserts accelerating heat transfer melted or cooled paraffin faster and thus charging/discharging time is reduced. Performed multiple charging cycles revealed some issues with fatigue damage of metal foam. In comparison to pure paraffin metal structures reduced temperature gradient within the chamber accumulator ca. 2-3 times. Convection of liquid paraffin can be slightly restricted therefore arrangement of honeycomb channels was examined and favorable position determined.

Biography

Krzysztof Naplocha has completed his PhD at the age of 33 years from Wrocclaw University o Science and Technology. He has been involved in various science project covering metal matrix composite materials reinforced with ceramic fibers or intermetallic skeletons. Currently, he is developing high porous metal structures produced by metal casting. Much of his work has been on improving heat transfer in energy storage systems. He has published more than 120 papers in reputed journals and is the co-author of Intermetallic matrix composites: properties and applications (Woodhead Publishing, 2018) and Advances in materials science research (NY: Nova Science Publishers, 2012).

E-mail: krzysztof.naplocha@pwr.edu.pl