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

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.