Crystal growth kinetics of sugar alcohols as phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Abstract

Among bio-based materials, Sugar Alcohols (SA) are very promising Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage at low temperatures due to their low melting temperature, their high energy density, their high and stable undercooling allowing long-term storage with reduced thermal losses. When heating is needed, the storage system is discharged by activating SA crystallization and its discharge power depends on the SA crystal growth kinetics. This work aims at measuring and modeling crystal growth rates in undercooled melts of SA according to the temperature and at determining the involved crystal growth mechanisms. Crystal morphologies and morphological transitions are also observed and discussed.