Optimization of thermal conductivity in composites loaded with the solid-solid phase-change materials

Abstract

This work focuses on identifying the thermal conductivity of composites loaded with phase-change materials (PCMs). Three configurations are studied: (1) the PCMs are divided into identical spherical inclusions arranged in one plane, (2) the PCMs are inserted into the matrix as a plate on the level of the same plane of arrangement, and (3) the PCMs are divided into identical spherical inclusions arranged periodically in the whole matrix. The percentage PCM/matrix is fixed for all cases. A comparison among the various situations is made for the first time, thus providing a new idea on how to insert PCMs into composite matrices. The results show that the composite conductivity is the most important consideration in the first case, precisely when the arrangement plane is parallel with the flux and diagonal to the entry face. In the present work, we are interested in exploring the solid-solid PCMs. The PCM polyurethane and a wood matrix are particularly studied.