Thermal conductivity enhancement of phase change materials

Thermally efficient latent heat storage systems require fast thermal charging and discharging rates. However, the low thermal conductivity (0.2W/mK) of the phase change materials (PCMs) obstructs thermal transport within the energy storage system. Therefore, the heat transfer rate within the PCMs has yet to be augmented to make it practical and efficient. The interfacial site of phase change, heat transfer rate, temperature distribution within the PCM, system heat capacity, and the nature of the dominant heat transfer mode are all heat transfer issues with PCMs (conduction or convection). This chapter provides a deep insight into the recent techniques for the augmentation of the effective thermal conductivity of the PCMs. Chemical alteration of the PCMs, metallic and carbon-based nanoparticles, and porous materials simultaneously enhance their thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the effect of thermally enhanced additives on the latent heat of the PCMs has also been analyzed along with the thermal charging and discharging time, melting rate of the PCMs, and temperature gradient. Additionally, thermal conductivity measurement techniques have been presented numerically and experimentally.