Effects of Hybrid Nanoparticles on Thermophysical Property of Cu-TiO2 Embedded Palmitic Phase Change Material for Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

This experimental investigation studies the thermo physical effects of Cu-TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles embedded into organic PCM (palmitic acid) for energy storage applications. This Nano Embedded PCM (NEPCM) or Hybrid Nano composite (HNPCM) is used for heating, cooling and numerous energy storage applications. This hybrid nano composite mixture was synthesized by mixing different weight percentage Cu-TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles in palmitic acid. The dispersion is facilitated with the help of ultrasonicator. The hybrid nanoparticles were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to determine the chemical stability and composition of composite mixture. LFA 467 flash diffusivity apparatus was used to measure the increase in thermal conductivity. The test results suggest that, by embedding HyNC into pure PCM. It has credited for achieving chemical stability, concurring phase transition temperature, favourable latent heat. HyNC particles have effectively enhanced the thermal conductivity of the PCMs by 52% without sacrificing chemical stability or thermal degradation. This result shows that the addition of HyNC into the palmitic acid increases the solidification and melting time, thus confirming the enhancement in thermal conductivity. This enhanced thermal characteristic makes HNPCM’s as a potential candidate for energy storage and heat transfer applications.