Health hazard, cycling and thermal stability as key parameters when selecting a suitable phase change material (PCM)

From the literature review it was observed that there is no established methodology, neither a common pattern, when selecting a phase change material for a thermal energy storage application. Melting temperature and enthalpy have traditionally been the considered thermal properties for the material selection. Therefore, the authors of this paper propose a new method of investigation on the suitability of a PCM that takes into account not only thermal properties but also health hazard and both cycling and thermal stability. Health hazard is related with the handling of the material, and both cycling and thermal stabilities with durability. This methodology is applied to five different PCM in the 150-200 °C range: salicylic acid, benzanilide, d-mannitol, hydroquinone, and potassium thiocyanate. Results show that for an application in the 150-200 °C range the suitable PCM are benzanilide and d-mannitol. Moreover, hydroquinone is also suitable but only in closed systems.