Micro-encapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries: characterization and building applications

Qiu, Zhongzhu; Ma, Xiaoli; Li, Peng; Zhao, Xudong; Wright, Andrew

Abstract

© 2017 Micro-encapsulated Phase Change Material (MPCM) slurries, acting as the heat transfer fluids or thermal storage mediums, have gained applications in various building thermal energy systems, significantly enhancing their energy efficiency and operational performance. This paper presents a review of research on MPCM slurries and their building applications. The research collects information on the currently available MPCM particles and shells, studies of the physical, structural and thermal stability, and rheological properties of MPCM slurries, and identification/determination of the critical parameters and dimensionless numbers relating to the MPCM slurries’ heat transfer. The research suggests possible approaches for enhancing the heat transfer between a MPCM slurry and its surroundings, while several controversial phenomena and potential causes were also investigated. Furthermore, the research presents mathematical correlations established between different thermal and physical parameters relating to the MPCM slurries, and introduces a number of practical applications of the MPCM slurries in building thermal energy systems. Based on such extensive review and analyses, the research will help in identifying the current status, potential problems in existence, and future directions in research, development and practical application of MPCM slurries. It will also promote the development and application of cost-effective and energy-efficient PCM materials and thus contribute to achieving the UK and international targets in energy saving and carbon emission reductions in the building sector and beyond.

Citation

Qiu, Z., Ma, X., Li, P., Zhao, X., & Wright, A. (2017). Micro-encapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries: characterization and building applications. Renewable & sustainable energy reviews, 77, 246-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.001

• Acceptance Date: Apr 2, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Apr 14, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Deposit Date: Apr 25, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 4, 2018
• Journal: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews
• Print ISSN: 1364-0321
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 77
• Pages: 246-262
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.001
• Keywords: Micro-encapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries; Characterization; Stability; Rheology; Heat transfer; Application
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/450769
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032117304732
• Additional Information: This is the accepted manuscript of an article published in Renewable & sustainable energy reviews, 2017. The version of record is available at the DOI link in this record.
• Contract Date: Apr 4, 2018