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Author(s): Tao Xu, Xuenong Gao, Yutang Fang, Zhaowen Huang, Zhengguo Zhang

Keywords: differential scanning calorimeter, differential scanning calorimeter (dsc), dsc, graphite, melting temperature, pcms, phase change latent heat, phase change materials, thermal conductivity measurement, thermal energy storage

Abstract: A novel composite phase change material (PCM) composed of LiNO3/KCl with expanded graphite (EG) as a filler was prepared and investigated to determine if it had potential for use in solar energy storage applications. The addition of the expanded graphite did not significantly alter the melting temperature in comparison with the eutectic LiNO3/KCl PCM; however, the latent heat of fusion did significantly decrease with increasing mass fractions of expanded graphite. The thermal conductivity of the composite PCM was enhanced by the addition of EG, reaching a value of 15 W/m K.

Reference: Applied Energy 115 (2014) 265-271

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.11.019