Combined Experimental-Numerical Investigation of Metal-Wax Interactions for Phase Change Thermal Energy Storage

For effective thermal management, composite phase change materials (PCMs) are being developed that combine high latent heat materials such as waxes with high thermal conductivity metallic heat spreaders to effectively distribute the heat within the PCM. The interaction of the high latent heat material with the solid heat spreader is of particular interest to improving the performance of such composite PCMs. This paper aims at focuses on the melting and solidification behavior of a commercial phase change material in a single 1 cm diameter cylindrical cavity. In the experimental setup, the temperature gradients and the melt and solidification front are captured using a high-resolution infrared microscope. Ultimately, this work will shed light on the design and prediction of performance for composite phase change materials.