High-Temperature Phase Change Dispersions (PCDs) as Advanced Heat Transfer Fluids; Development and Characterisation

In this research, the development and characterization of Phase Change Dispersions (PCDs) for use as a heat transfer fluid at high temperatures were investigated. The main goal of this work is to design and optimize a stable emulsion based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in water that can maintain stable and reproducible performance up to a temperature range of approximately 120 degrees Celsius. For structural stability, non-ionic heat-resistant surfactants such as Pluronic F-127 and Brij S20 have been used. Initially the effect of surfactant type and concentration on the phase stability and particle size of the dispersions will be investigated and then thermal characterization will be performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine the melting temperature, latent heat, and apparent specific heat capacity. Also, the effect of adding conductive nanoparticles on increasing thermal conductivity and improving heat transfer behavior will be evaluated with the aim of identifying the optimal PCD-nano composition as a heat transfer fluid with high heat capacity and long-term stability. These high-temperature PCDs are expected to provide greater thermal stability and temperature uniformity under varying operating conditions, in addition to increasing the fluid's heat capacity compared to water. Such fluids can be an effective substitute for conventional heat transfer fluids in energy storage systems, particularly in Carnot batteries and other high-temperature thermal systems.

Work In Progress