Thermal energy storage using carbonate-salt-based composite phase change materials: linking materials properties to device performance

Li, Chuan (2017). Thermal energy storage using carbonate-salt-based composite phase change materials: linking materials properties to device performance. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Li17PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (9MB)

Abstract

Thermal energy storage (TES) has a crucial role to play in conserving and efficiently utilising energy, dealing with mismatch between demand and supply, and enhancing the performance and reliability of our current energy systems. This thesis concerns TES materials and devices with an aim to establish a relationship between TES device level performance to materials properties. This is a multiscale problem. The work focuses on the use of carbonate-salt-based composite phase change materials (CPCMs) for medium and high temperature applications. A CPCM consists of a carbonate salt based phase change material (PCM), a thermal conductivity enhancement material (TCEM, graphite flake in this work) and a ceramic skeleton material (CSM, MgO in this work). Both mathematical modelling and experiments were carried out to address the multiscale problem. The wettability of carbonate salt and MgO system is first studied, followed by exploring the CPCMs microstructure characteristics and formation mechanism, and then the effective thermal conductivity of the CPCMs is carried out based on the developed microstructures. At the last part, heat transfer behaviour of CPCMs based TES at component and device levels is investigated.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):