Thermal performance investigations of solid-liquid phase change materials

• Grant number: 24/19124-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Maria Cardoso
• Grantee: Elaine Maria Cardoso
• Principal researcher abroad: BEDECARRATS Jean-Pierre
• Institution abroad: Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, France
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Edemar Morsch Filho
• Associated research grant: 22/15765-1 - Study of transport phenomena applied to emerging technologies of energy conversion and storage, AP.TEM

Abstract

Latent thermal energy storage systems are more efficient due to the utilization of latent heat. Some of the systems that have been proposed include the use of phase change materials (PCMs). PCMs absorb energy when the melting temperature is reached and release the absorbed energy when there is no more supply. These materials are also used for thermal control of electronic devices, solar energy storage, medical applications, thermal comfort of buildings, and others. However, one of the disadvantages of PCMs is their low thermal conductivity and high dynamic viscosity. Since the heat transfer process of PCMs is governed by conduction and natural convection, many authors have proposed some intensification techniques. These techniques include the dispersion of nanoparticles for thermal properties optimization and using extended surfaces such as fins and porous materials. However, these works are focused on the application of PCMs, while some phenomenological issues are poorly explored (e.g., material stability and degradation during the charging and discharging process, the interaction between conduction and convection heat transfer, and the dynamics of the solid-liquid interface). Research groups in Brazil and France led by Profs. Cardoso and Bedecarrats, respectively, at UNESP and UPPA, are developing systematic studies on improving the heat transfer performance of thermal management devices employing phase change material. In Brazil, Prof. Cardoso is developing research on copper/PCM foam composite under uniform heat flux boundary conditions using advanced experimental and numerical techniques in a thematic project supported by FAPESP. Similarly, Prof. Bedecarrats and his team systematically investigate the fundamentals and applications ranging from cold storage to heat storage, determining the spatiotemporal distribution of temperatures inside the storage tank for different flow rates and imposed final temperatures. In this context, the present proposal aims to unite the research efforts of both groups by initiating a research collaboration between the main universities of Brazil and France on the subject, with two important international experts in phase change materials studies seeking to build a long-term relationship afterward. (AU)