Integration of form-stable paraffin/nanosilica phase change material composites into vacuum insulation panels for thermal energy storage

Xiangyu Li, Huisu Chen, Huiqiang Li, Lin Liu, Zeyu Lu, Tao Zhang, Wenhui Duan

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40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We investigated the integration of form-stable paraffin/nanosilica composites into vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) to improve the thermal mass. In total, six form-stable paraffin/nanosilica composites were produced by absorbing paraffin in different types of nanosilica with different surface characters, hydrophobic and hydrophilic. In view of cost, a phase change material (PCM) composite prepared by hydrophilic precipitated silica was chosen to produce the PCM-integrated VIPs. The microstructure and phase change behaviour of the PCM composites were investigated. The thermal mass of the PCM-integrated VIPs was found to be improved. With integration of PCM the thermal conductivity of the VIPs was increased, although it was still very low compared to normal foam insulations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)601-609
Number of pages9
JournalApplied Energy
Volume159
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2015

Keywords

  • Phase change material
  • Vacuum insulation panel
  • Nano silica
  • Thermal energy storage

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