Experimental investigations on the heat transfer of melting phase change material (PCM)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to figure out the heat transfer mechanisms during the melting process of phase change materials (PCMs) in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rectangular panels. A commercially available paraffin-based PCM with a nominal melting temperature range of 26-28 °C was adopted. Phase change time was monitored with an air velocity of 1-5 m/s and an air temperatures of 35–55 °C, respectively. HDPE panels were fixed at various inclination angles ranging from 30° to 90°. Because of the presence of natural convection, a melting time reduction ranging from 18.8% to 50.8% was observed for different conditions. With proceeding melting, the heat transfer mechanisms were thermal conduction, a combination of conduction and convection, and thermal conduction.