Preparation and investigation of nano-enhanced PCM for thermal energy storage

In the present study, the phase change behavior of prepared novel composites of palmitic acid and nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) for thermal energy storage have been investigated. The nano-particles are dispersed into the base fluid in various mass fractions (0.5, 1, 3, and 5%) and their effects on the thermo-physical properties have been investigated. Structural analysis has been carried out by using FESEM and crystallography was checked by XRD technique. Thermal conductivity of palmitic acid increased gradually by 12.7, 20.6, 46.6, and 80% for the nano-particle weight fractions of 0.5, 1, 3, and 5% respectively. Based on the results, it can be mentioned that the prepared palmitic acid based nano-enhanced organic phase change composite materials can be very well used as potential solar thermal energy storage materials.