Experimental study of natural convection heat transfer in a microencapsulated phase change material slurry

A new microencapsulated PCM (Phase Change Material) slurry (MEPCS) at high concentration (45% w/w) was developed based on microencapsulated Rubitherm RT6. Its heat storage and heat transfer characteristics have been experimentally investigated in order to assess its suitability for integration into a low temperature heat storage system for solar air conditioning applications. Differential scanning calorimetry tests have been conducted to evaluate the cold storage capacity and phase change temperature range. An experimental setup was built in order to quantify the natural convection heat transfer occurring from a vertical helically coiled tube immersed in the MEPCS. First, tests were carried out using water in order to obtain natural convection heat transfer correlations and then a comparison was made with the results obtained for the MEPCS. It was found that inside the phase change interval the values of the heat transfer coefficient for the MEPCS were significantly higher than for water, under identical temperature conditions.     

Experiment on heat storage characteristic of microencapsulated phase change material slurry

Heat storage experiment by natural convection in rectangular enclosures heated from bottom has been conducted with fluid slurry composed of microencapsulated phase change material (PCM). The microencapsulated PCM is prepared by in-situ polymerization method, where the core materials are composed of several kinds of n-paraffin waxes (mainly nonadecane) and the membrane is a type of melamine resin. Its slurry mixed with water is used in this study, and shows a peak value in the specific heat capacity with latent heat at the temperature of about T=31 °C. The influences of the phase change material on heat storage and the heat transfer process, as well as effects of PCM mass concentration C_m on the microcapsule slurry, temperature of heat storage T_H and a horizontal enclosure height H are also investigated. Transient heat transfer coefficient α, heat storage capacity Q and completion time of heat storage t_c are discussed.     

Validation of a CFD model for the simulation of heat transfer in a tubes-in-tank PCM storage unit

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for the simulation of a phase change thermal energy storage process in a 100 l cylindrical tank, horizontally placed. The model is validated with experimental data obtained for the same configuration. The cold storage unit was charged using water as the heat transfer medium, flowing inside a horizontal tube bundle, and the selected phase change material (PCM) was microencapsulated slurry in 45% w/w concentration. The mathematical model is based on the three-dimensional transient Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear temperature dependent thermo-physical properties of the PCM during the phase change range. These properties were experimentally determined using analytical methods. The governing equations were solved using the ANSYS/FLUENT commercial software package. The mathematical model is validated with experimental data for three different flow rates of the heat transfer fluid during the charging process. Bulk temperature, heat transfer rate and amount of energy stored were used as performance indicators. It was found that the PCM bulk temperatures were predicted within 5% of the experimental data. The results have also shown that the total accumulated energy was within 10% of the observed value, and thus it can be concluded that the model predicts the heat transfer inside the storage system with good accuracy.     

相变微胶囊悬浮液强制对流换热实验研究

提出了一种可以同时作为储能介质与传热流体的新型相变微胶囊悬浮液(MPCS),设计和搭建试验台,分别在层流和湍流条件下在等热流密度的光滑圆管中对MPCS进行了强制对流换热实验,研究了悬浮液浓度、流量、泵送功率和加热速率对其流动及传热特性的影响。结果表明:对于质量分数为5%的MPCS,当微胶囊中相变材料分别处于固体、固体-液体和液体状态时,对应的努塞尔数平均增大了23.9%、20.5%和9.1%;与纯水相比,MPCS作为在热力系统应用的传热流体可以实现强化传热,但是需要在传热实验中控制好相变过程才能使MPCS的传热性能优于水。     

Heat transfer characteristics of microencapsulated phase change material slurry in laminar flow under constant heat flux

Due to its large apparent specific heat during the phase change period, microencapsulated phase change material slurry (MPCMS) has been suggested as a medium for heat transfer. In this paper, the convective heat transfer characteristics of MPCMS flowing in a circular tube were experimentally and numerically investigated. The enhanced convective heat transfer mechanism of MPCMS, especially in the thermal fully developed range, was analyzed by using the enthalpy model. Three kinds of fluid–pure water, micro-particle slurry and MPCMS were numerically investigated. The results show that in the phase change heat transfer region the Ste number and the Mr number are the most important parameters influencing the Nusselt number fluctuation profile and the dimensionless wall temperature. Re_b, d_p and c also influence the Nusselt number profile and the dimensionless wall temperature, but they are independent of phase change process.     

相变蓄热装置内部温度场的理论与实验研究

对螺旋盘管相变蓄热装置性能和相变材料 (PCM)的传热特性开展理论和试验研究,建立相变蓄热装置物理和数学模型,对蓄热温度场进行了数值模拟和实验测试。结果表明 ：自然对流换热对PCM的熔化过程影响很大,当考虑自然对流时,相变蓄热速率加快,相变分层现象明显;实验实测温度与模拟温度相近,说明所建立的模型适用于相变装置内部温度场的模拟。     

相变微胶囊悬浮液传热特性实验研究

相变微胶囊(microencapsulated phase change material,MPCM)在建筑节能领域应用广泛,为研究其传热特性,搭建了以水为换热流体(heat transfer fluid,HTF),微胶囊悬浮液为储能介质的潜热储能(latent thermal energy storage,LTES)系统。在实验过程中,通过改变换热流体的进口初始温度以及搅拌器的搅拌速率,获得了MPCM悬浮液的温度变化规律并计算了MPCM悬浮液的平均充放冷速率。实验结果表明:在充冷过程中,MPCM相变时温度变化速率减缓,相变温度区间较大,而在放冷过程中,MPCM相变时温度保持恒定,相变温度区间较小;未搅拌时,MPCM悬浮液中温度梯度较大,传热能力较差;搅拌时,MPCM悬浮液混合均匀,其温度梯度很小,传热能力较强;增加搅拌器的搅拌速率及水与相变微胶囊悬浮液的温差均可以提高MPCM的充放冷速率。     

Flow and heat transfer behaviors of phase change material slurries in a horizontal circular tube

The flow and convective heat transfer behaviors of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries in a horizontal circular tube have been experimentally investigated. The slurry consisted of microencapsulated 1-bromohexadecane (C₁₆H₃₃Br) and water, with the mass fractions of MPCM varying from 5% to 27.6%. The pressure drop and local heat transfer coefficients were measured, and the influences of capsule fractions, heating rates, and flow structures on heat transfer performance were also studied. Heat transfer coefficients measured for MPCM slurry are significantly higher than for those for single-phase fluid flow in laminar flow conditions, but exhibit more complicated phenomena at low turbulent conditions. Moreover, a new simple heat transfer correlation equation was proposed that accurately predicts the local heat transfer coefficients of laminar MPCM slurry flow in a horizontal circular tube.     

Laminar forced convection heat transfer with phase change material emulsions

Results of an experimental study of laminar forced convection heat transfer in a circular duct with a phase change material emulsion (n-octadecane in water) are presented in this paper. The bulk Stefan numbers considered in this study range up to 3.0 and the concentration of phase change material range up to 30% by volume. The results show that the heat transfer characteristics for phase change material emulsions are similar to those of microencapsulated phase change material suspensions, thus confirming that the microcapsule walls do not affect the heat transfer process significantly.     

等热流圆管内相变微胶囊悬浮液层流换热实验研究

用基液代替水来配置微胶囊相变悬浮液,并对实验数据的准确性进行了检验。在等热流密度环境下对管道内的该悬浮液进行加热实验,对相变微胶囊悬浮液的质量分数、St、入口过冷度、粒径和Re等因素影响强化换热的效果进行了分析。结果显示影响微胶囊相变悬浮液管内层流换热最主要的因素是微胶囊的质量分数和St。     

Heat transfer enhancement in medium temperature thermal energy storage system using a multitube heat transfer array

An experimental energy storage system has been designed using an horizontal shell and tube heat exchanger incorporating a medium temperature phase change material (PCM) with a melting point of 117.7 °C. Two experimental configurations consisting of a control unit with one heat transfer tube and a multitube unit with four heat transfer tubes were studied. The thermal characteristics in the systems have been analysed using isothermal contour plots and temperature time curves. Temperature gradients along the three directions of the shell and tube systems; axial, radial and angular directions have been analysed and compared. The phase change in the multitube system was dominated by the effect of convective heat transfer compared to conductive heat transfer in the control system. The temperature gradient in the PCM during phase change was greatest in the radial direction for both the control and multitube systems. The temperature gradients recorded in the axial direction for the control and multitube systems during the change of phase were respectively 2.5 and 3.5% that of the radial direction, indicating essentially a two-dimensional heat transfer in the PCM. The onset of natural convection through the formation of multiple convective cells in the multitube system significantly altered the shape of the solid liquid interface fluid flow and indicates the requirement for an in-depth study of multitube arrangements.     

Experimental measurements and numerical computation of nanofluid and microencapsulated phase change material in porous material

The electronic industry is increasingly investigating different approaches for the cooling of electronic equipment. The use of bulk phase change materials is also a promising approach for energy storage. The introduction of microencapsulated phase change materials combined with nanofluids can be beneficial. The combined use of a nanofluid and a metallic porous material can be used to mitigate problems resulting from small thermal conductivity. This study investigated a ternary mixture of water with a nanofluid and a microencapsulated phase change material in a porous medium. The model was previously validated with experimental data using a 0.5%vol concentration nanofluid in water. The results revealed that heat storage capability can be achieved as long as the microencapsulated phase change materials, which consists of encapsulated eicosane, is at a concentration of 20%. Because the melting temperature of microencapsulated phase change materials is approximately 36^°C , energy storage at a low flow rate and heat flux is recommended.     

ZnO对不同流态下相变微胶囊悬浮液对流换热特性影响研究*

相变微胶囊悬浮液（MPCS）可作为热交换介质和储热流体,但其导热率较低导致其应用受到一定的限制。以水为基液使用相变微胶囊（MPCM）制备MPCS,加入氧化锌（ZnO）颗粒以提高MPCS导热率。使用旋转流变仪、差式热量扫描仪、导热仪分别测定了MPCS的黏度、相变潜热和导热系数等物理性质。设计并搭建了试验台,在内径6 mm的圆管中,使用水、MPCS以及ZnO@MPCS在层流和湍流下进行强制对流换热实验,通过对比其换热情况分析ZnO对MPCS换热特性的影响。结果表明：加入ZnO的MPCS具有良好的储热性和导热性,1%ZnO@5%MPCS导热系数较5%MPCS提高了17.9%。层流条件下MPCS的平均局部换热系数低于水,1%ZnO@5%MPCS平均局部换热系数比水高6.5%;湍流时,1%ZnO@5%MPCS在相同质量流量和功率下的平均局部换热系数相较于水提高了15.7%。     

A review on effect of phase change material encapsulation on the thermal performance of a system

This paper presents a detailed review of effect of phase change material (PCM) encapsulation on the performance of a thermal energy storage system (TESS). The key encapsulation parameters, namely, encapsulation size, shell thickness, shell material and encapsulation geometry have been investigated thoroughly. It was observed that the core-to-coating ratio plays an important role in deciding the thermal and structural stability of the encapsulated PCM. An increased core-to-coating ratio results in a weak encapsulation, whereas, the amount of PCM and hence the heat storage capacity decreases with a decreased core-to-coating ratio. Thermal conductivity of shell material found to have a significant influence on the heat exchange between the PCM and heat transfer fluid (HTF). This paper also reviews the solidification and melting characteristics of the PCM and the effect of various encapsulation parameters on the phase change behavior. It was observed that a higher thermal conductivity of shell material, a lower shell size and high temperature of HTF results in rapid melting of the encapsulated PCM. Conduction and natural convection found to be dominant during solidification and melt processes, respectively. A significant enhancement in heat transfer was observed with microencapsulated phase change slurry (MPCS) due to direct surface contact between the encapsulated PCM and the HTF. It was reported that the pressure drop and viscosity increases substantially with increase in volumetric concentration of the microcapsules.     

Thermal and rheological properties of microencapsulated phase change materials

The use of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) is one of the most efficient ways of storing thermal energy. When the microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) is dispersed into the carrier fluid, microencapsulated phase change slurry (MPCS) is prepared. Due to the relatively large surface area to volume MPCM and its large apparent specific heat during the phase change period, better heat transfer performance can be achieved. Therefore, MPCS can be used as both the energy storage and heat transfer media.This paper studies the thermal and rheological properties of a series of prepared MPCS. In the experiment: MPCS fabricated by dispersing MPCM into water with an appropriate amount of surfactant. The mass ratio of MPCM to water and surfactant was 10:90:1, 25:75:1, 35:65:1 in prepared MPCS samples, respectively. Then the thermal conductivity and specific heat of MPCS were measured by the Hot Disk. The melting/crystallizing temperature and fusion heat/crystallization heat of the phase change materials were obtained from a DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) during the heating/cooling process. Physical properties, such as viscosity, diameter and its size distribution of MPCS were investigated by a rheometer and a particle characterization system. Meanwhile, the chemical structure of the sample was analyzed using Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The results showed that the thermal conductivity and the specific heat of MPCS decreased with particle concentration for the temperatures below the melting point. Overall, the MPCS can be considered as Newtonian fluid within the test region (shear rate >200 s^?1 and mass fraction <0.35). The viscosity is higher for bigger particle slurries. The findings of the work lead to the conclusion that the present work suggested that MPCMs can be used in “passive” applications or in combination with active cooling systems; and it also provided a new understanding for fabricating microencapsulated phase change slurry, it is for sure that to have a better potential for energy storage. Accordingly, it has demonstrated that the MPCS fabricated in the current research are suitable for potential application as heat transfer media in the thermal energy storage.     

Thermal behaviour of integrated solar collector/storage unit with 65 °C phase change material

A transient finite volume model was used to predict collection and retention of heat for rectangular cross section solar collector/storage systems when filled with water and various concentrations of phase change material (PCM) slurries with a 65 °C phase change temperature. It was found that the PCM slurry systems collected heat marginally less effectively than water filled stores. Retention of heat at higher temperatures in the PCM slurry systems may allow higher solar savings fractions to be realised depending on heat demand patterns.     

Flow of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry through Planar Spiral Coil

Forced convection cooling is an effective method in thermal management that relies mainly on dissipating heat by pumping heat transfer fluid (HTF) through the heat source. In this paper, we investigate the thermal properties enhancement of dielectric water as the HTF. To enhance the properties of the HTF, microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) will be added to the base fluid. The MPCMs are composed of phase change material (PCM) encapsulated with shell materials. The PCM inside the capsules may undergo a phase change. This leads to a significant heat gain and release. The numerical model is developed to solve for continuity, momentum, and heat transfer equations using the finite volume method. The behavior of the MPCM slurry in curved channels, generates unique patterns due to different viscosity values and the centrifugal forces. Our preliminary numerical data on MPCM slurry through planar spiral coil heat exchangers show the new patterns of velocity and heat transfer curves. The current paper studies the steady condition of laminar flow at different boundary conditions. The velocity and temperature profiles, heat transfer data with different mass fractions of MPCM additives to the base fluid, and their heat removal capabilities are quantified and discussed in detail.     

加热方向对方腔内相变石蜡储热性能影响研究

为探究方腔内相变石蜡的储热性能,基于等效热容法和Boussinesq假设,建立相变石蜡融化储热计算模型,并针对加热方向及约束形式等因素对相变石蜡的储热性能的影响进行研究,并开展相变石蜡融化试验,验证计算模型的正确性。结果表明：相变石蜡融化储热过程是由热传导和自然对流传热综合决定的,其中自然对流传热在相变石蜡融化储热过程中起着极为显著的促进作用;不同加热方向下,相变石蜡表现出截然不同的融化储热效率,其中顶、底、侧边单独加热下的自然对流传热效应依次使储热效率提升了0.01,27.9和13.1倍,即底部热源的储热效率最高;在四面加热下,固相因无约束而下沉至底部,并抑制底部热壁面的自然对流传热效应,此时顶、底、侧热壁面的储热贡献率分别为17.3%,37.3%和22.7%;当固相运动被预埋热电偶等因素限制时,将形成钟型融化前缘,该形态包含了各热壁面单独加热下的融化储热特征,此时顶、底、侧热壁面的储热贡献率分别为19.2%,29.8%和25.5%。     

严寒地区单体建筑太阳能-相变墙系统蓄热特性研究

利用太阳能对水加热并通入相变墙进行蓄热,对减少严寒地区单体建筑供热能耗有重要意义。以大庆市某单体建筑为例,结合该地区太阳能分布特点及建筑热负荷大小,对适用于该地区的太阳能-相变墙系统进行集热与储热能力计算,并采用CFD方法研究单一工况下该系统的热工变化规律及不同热水参数、换热管规格对相变墙蓄热特性的影响。结果表明：该相变墙热稳定性良好,但受自然对流影响,底部相变材料熔化较慢;管径DN25、入口流速0.3m/s、供水温度310.15K、回水温度309.15K、管间距107mm可使相变材料在4小时内完成蓄热,平均节能率为31.8%。研究结果可望为降低严寒地区建筑供热能耗提供新思路。     

Solidification process analysis of a heat storage device containing graphite foam and paraffin

石蜡相变材料的导热系数较小,严重影响了其传热速率和凝固速率。通过对填充石墨泡沫/石蜡的储能系统进行凝固过程的模拟,确定了石墨泡沫对相变储能系统性能的影响。研究结果表明石墨泡沫不仅大大缩短了相变凝固时间,也使储能系统的温度分布更加均匀;通过分析冷却水进口速度和温度对复合相变材料的凝固过程的影响,说明随着冷却水进口速度的增大和温度的降低,传热速率加快,凝固时间缩短。分析了复合材料相变区的自然对流对相变过程的影响,模拟结果证明自然对流能在一定程度上加快相变材料的凝固过程。