ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 5

A Methodology for the Evaluation of the Thermal Performance of Phase-Change Storage Materials

Grimes, JW
Center for Building Technology, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD

Brown, PW
Center for Building Technology, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD

Kaetzel, L
Center for Building Technology, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD

Abstract

A methodology to evaluate the response of phase-change thermal storage materials to repeated thermal cycling is described. The methodology uses a thermal cycling device to simulate in-service conditions and an isoperibolic calorimeter to measure the thermal storage capacities of the phase-change specimens. The thermal cycling device was designed to operate over a range of predetermined conditions including heating and cooling rates and maximum and minimum cycle temperatures. The design and operating characteristics of this device are described. Data obtained by investigating the Na₂SO₄·10H₂O phase-change system indicate that the methodology can be used to assess the performance and durability of phase-change storage systems.

Keywords:
isoperibolic calorimetry, phase-change storage material, simulated service testing, thermal cycling device, thermal storage capacity

Paper ID: JTE10977J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10977J
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