New PCMs Prepared from Erythritol-Polyalcohols Mixtures for Latent Heat Storage between 80 and 100°C

Abstract

The present study is concerned with preparation of erythritol–polyalcohols mixtures as PCMs, which may be applicable for heat storage in the temperature range between 80 and 100°C for a hot water supply system. The melting/solidification temperature was adjusted by adding polyalcohols such as trimethylolethane (TME), 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-amino-1,3-propanediol and trimethylolpropane (TMP), to erythritol.It was found that a new PCM(86) composed of 40% erythritol and 60% TME melted at 86.1 and 97.8°C with a latent heat of 246 kJ/kg. Another PCM(80) composed of 90% PCM(86) and 10% TMP melted at 80.0 and 95.0°C with a latent heat of 231 kJ/kg. These new PCM(86) and PCM(80) derived from erythritol were considered potentially applicable for a hot water supply system, in terms of their relatively large heat storing capacities and specific heats, as well as high thermal conductivities.