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Improving Thermal Conductivity in Heat Sink Using Copper Foam-Paraffin Phase Change Materials

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  • Fawad Ali1, Muhammad Alam Zaib Khan

    (Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering and Technology, 25120 Peshawar.Department of Mechanical Engineering,University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, 25120 Pakistan.)

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are essential in thermal energy storage systems due to their abilities in heat transfer and storage. Yet, their low thermal conductivity restricts the rate at which energy is stored and released. Introducing copper metal foam into PCMs can greatly enhance their thermal conductivity. This research examines the boost in thermal conductivity of a metal foam-paraffin composite compared to pure paraffin. Copper metal foam, noted for its high thermal conductivity, effectively heightens the heat transfer rate within the composite. Both theoretical and experimental assessments of the thermal conductivity of the copper foam/PCM composite were carried out and compared. Findings indicated that the composite's thermal conductivity reached 5.5 W/mK at 13 W, which is significantly higher than the 0.2 W/mK of pure PCM. Furthermore, the copper/PCM composite lowered the heat sink's temperature by 25-30%. This improvement is due to the enhanced thermal pathways offered by the copper foam's structure, notwithstanding the inverse relationship between infiltration ratio and pore density.

Suggested Citation

  • Fawad Ali1, Muhammad Alam Zaib Khan, 2025. "Improving Thermal Conductivity in Heat Sink Using Copper Foam-Paraffin Phase Change Materials," International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology, 50sea, vol. 7(2), pages 939-949, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:abq:ijist1:v:7:y:2025:i:2:p:939-949
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bharathiraja, R. & Ramkumar, T. & Selvakumar, M. & Radhika, N., 2024. "Thermal characteristics enhancement of Paraffin Wax Phase Change Material (PCM) for thermal storage applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    2. Kahwaji, Samer & Johnson, Michel B. & Kheirabadi, Ali C. & Groulx, Dominic & White, Mary Anne, 2018. "A comprehensive study of properties of paraffin phase change materials for solar thermal energy storage and thermal management applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1169-1182.
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