Improved performance of a newly prepared nano-enhanced phase change material for solar energy storage

This paper investigates the thermal performance of a newly prepared Nano-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM), constituting SiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs) in myristic acid. SiO2 NPs with mass fractions of 0.2 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.8 wt% and 1.0 wt% were suspended in myristic acid, which serves as the base Phase change material (PCM) separately, to determine the maximum enhancement of thermal conductivity. The size and morphology of the as synthesized SiO2 NPs were studied by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The phase change properties of NEPCMs were assessed with the help of Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal conductivity enhancement of NEPCMs was measured using a Laser flash analyzer (LFA). Results clearly indicate that the duration of the melting and solidification processes of NEPCMs decreased compared to that of the base PCM. Thus, the newly prepared NEPCM is a potential candidate for harvesting solar energy for low-temperature heating systems.