Investigating thermal performance of Nano-enhanced phase change material in 3D structures for thermal energy storage

A phase change material (PCM) can store and release a large amount of heat through a solid/liquid transition when it is available for the later heating and cooling applications. However, PCMs have a very low thermal conductivity that leads to a higher charge and discharge time. To increase their thermal conductivity, I added nanoparticles to the PCMs. During the visiting period, I am going to test the previously characterized and developed nano-PCM in different 3D storage structures developed by the host group at university of Padova. These experiments are an important step toward larger scale study and industrial applications of the PCM. Furthermore, the effect of different design of structures on the heat transfer into and outside of the PCM can be studied. The potential outcomes of the collaboration, can provide us with a better understanding of the PCM that leads to a joint publication between the wo groups.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sébastien Poncet

Student:

Partner:

University of Padua

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: