Preparation, characterization, and performance study of beeswax/expanded graphite composite as thermal storage material

Abstract

In this study, beeswax as a new energy storage material and its composite with expanded graphite were prepared and characterized for their surface and thermal properties. Surface characterization showed no chemical interaction between beeswax and expanded graphite. The thermal conductivity of the composite was improved with 117% enhancement. The thermal performance of beeswax and its composite as a heat storage material was studied in a rectangular shell-and-tube thermal storage unit. The melting point of the composite remained almost same as that of beeswax; however, the melting time was reduced considerably, from 540 to 360 min with inlet water at 80°C and a 2-lpm flow rate.

Keywords::

• beeswax
• expanded graphite
• composite storage material
• latent heat storage
• shell-and-tube storage unit

Funding

This work was supported by MNIT Jaipur, India, as part of Ph.D. research and was funded by the same.