Energy Storage Science and Technology ›› 2021, Vol. 10 ›› Issue (1): 280-286.doi: 10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2020.0294

• Energy Storage Test: Methods and Evaluation • Previous Articles     Next Articles

T-history method and its application in the determination of thermophysical properties of phase change materials

Jianjun WANG(), Yuxia SHEN, Yu ZHANG, Tuodi ZHANG, Yong LI, Yi WANG()   

  1. School of Petrochemical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, China
  • Received:2020-08-27 Revised:2020-09-09 Online:2021-01-05 Published:2021-01-08
  • Contact: Yi WANG E-mail:1774015609@qq.com;wangyi@lut.edu.cn

Abstract:

A phase change latent heat storage system (LHTES) based on phase change materials (PCMs) can reversibly absorb and release a large amount of latent heat over a small temperature range. These systems have a potential application in solving the mismatch of low-grade thermal energy in time and space. The thermophysical properties of PCMs can determine the heat storage density, heat storage/release efficiency, operating cost, and lifetime of the heat storage system. It is therefore important to quickly, accurately, and easily measure the thermophysical parameters of PCMs that may meet the needs of engineering applications. This article reviews the principles, experimental devices, and mathematical models of the T-history method. In light of the over-simplification of the T-history method and the difficulty in defining the solid-liquid interface in the phase transition process, a way to improve the test accuracy of the T-history method is emphasized. The application of the T-history curve (T-t curve) in the determination of a phase change point, subcooling, and the phase change temperature range of PCMs is reviewed, and the application of the T-t curve to determine the specific heat capacity and phase change latent heat of PCMs is introduced. Mathematical models and applications for the specific heat capacity-temperature curve and phase change enthalpy-temperature curve are presented. A comprehensive analysis shows that the T-history method can be used to easily obtain thermophysical parameters including the subcooling degree, phase transition interval, specific heat capacity, and phase transition enthalpy of PCMs.

Key words: phase change materials, T-history curve, supercooling, phase change temperature range, heat capacity, phase change enthalpy

CLC Number: