https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4107-4025
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ABSTRACT
In response to the urgent need for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) in the cryogenic field and the utilization of renewable energy sources, three novel eutectic phase change materials (PCMs) have been successfully developed. These materials, methyl laurate (ML)/lauric acid (LA), methyl laurate/myristic acid (MA), and methyl laurate/palmitic acid (PA), belong to the eutectic system of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and fatty acid. With a specific composition, these binary mixtures have desired melting temperatures, high melting enthalpy, and stable thermal performance. The phase diagrams of the eutectics were analyzed to obtain precise eutectic mass ratios. Theoretical predictions of the eutectic mass ratios and thermal properties were validated and determined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the hot-disk method. The ML-LA, ML-MA, and ML-PA mixtures had onset melting temperatures of 4.19°C, 5.45°C, and 5.69°C, respectively, with corresponding enthalpy of fusion values of 185.43, 190.47, and 194.39 J/g. The cycling stability test results showed that these mixtures had good thermal stability. The thermophysical properties and molecular structure of the mixtures were analyzed, indicating that these new mixtures of ML and fatty acids are suitable for low-temperature LHTES applications such as cold compresses and thermal-regulating textiles. This study provides insight into developing new PCMs that can meet the demand for LHTES in the cryogenic field and the utilization of renewable energy sources.
Abbreviations
| The following acronyms are used in this text: | = | |
| DSC | = | Differential Scanning Calorimetry |
| FAE | = | Fatty Acid Esters |
| FAME | = | Fatty Acid Methyl Esters |
| LHTES | = | Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage |
| LA | = | Lauric Acid |
| MA | = | Myristic Acid |
| ML | = | Methyl Laurate |
| MP | = | Methyl Palmitate |
| PA | = | Palmitic Acid |
| PCM | = | Phase Change Material |
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for financial support (Grant No.51890891 and No.51890894) and the Scientific and Technological Innovation Foundation of Foshan (Grant No. BK20AE002).
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes on contributors
Zifeng Ma
Zifeng Ma is a graduate student of University of Science and Technology of Beijing. His work focuses specifically on the Phase Change Materials and Energy Storage Technology.
Kai Yue
Kai Yue is a professor of University of Science and Technology of Beijing. Her work focuses specifically on the Phase Change Materials and Energy Storage Technology.
Zhihan Yao
Zhihan Yao is a undergraduate student of University of Science and Technology of Beijing. Her major is energy and power engineering.
Xinxin Zhang
Xinxin Zhang is a professor of University of Science and Technology of Beijing. His work focuses specifically on the thermophysical testing science and technology, and biological heat transfer.