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Efficient Solar-to-Thermal Energy Conversion and Storage with High-Thermal-Conductivity and Form-Stabilized Phase Change Composite Based on Wood-Derived Scaffolds

Author

Listed:
  • Bolin Chen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Meng Han

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Bowei Zhang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Gaoyuan Ouyang

    (Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Behrouz Shafei

    (Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Xinwei Wang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Shan Hu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

Abstract

Solar-to-thermal energy conversion is one of the most efficient ways to harvest solar energy. In this study, a novel phase change composite with porous carbon monolith derived from natural wood is fabricated to harvest solar irradiation and store it as thermal energy. Organic phase change material n-octadecane is physically adsorbed inside the porous structure of the carbonized wood, and a thin graphite coating encapsulates the exterior of the wood structure to further prevent n-octadecane leakage. The carbonized wood scaffold and the graphite coating not only stabilize the form of the n-octadecane during phase change, but also enhance its thermal conductivity by 143% while retaining 87% of its latent heat. Under 1-sun irradiation, the composite achieves an apparent 97% solar-to-thermal conversion efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Bolin Chen & Meng Han & Bowei Zhang & Gaoyuan Ouyang & Behrouz Shafei & Xinwei Wang & Shan Hu, 2019. "Efficient Solar-to-Thermal Energy Conversion and Storage with High-Thermal-Conductivity and Form-Stabilized Phase Change Composite Based on Wood-Derived Scaffolds," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:7:p:1283-:d:219685
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhou, Zhihua & Zhang, Zhiming & Zuo, Jian & Huang, Ke & Zhang, Liying, 2015. "Phase change materials for solar thermal energy storage in residential buildings in cold climate," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 692-703.
    2. Kenisarin, Murat & Mahkamov, Khamid, 2007. "Solar energy storage using phase change materials," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 11(9), pages 1913-1965, December.
    3. Zhou, D. & Zhao, C.Y. & Tian, Y., 2012. "Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials (PCMs) in building applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 593-605.
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    Cited by:

    1. Manoj Kumar Pasupathi & Karthick Alagar & Michael Joseph Stalin P & Matheswaran M.M & Ghosh Aritra, 2020. "Characterization of Hybrid-nano/Paraffin Organic Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage Applications in Solar Thermal Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Ewelina Radomska & Lukasz Mika & Karol Sztekler, 2020. "The Impact of Additives on the Main Properties of Phase Change Materials," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-34, June.

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