Micro-encapsulated paraffin in phase-change slurries

We are working on PCSs within a project which is supported by the European Commission. One of the aims of the project is to develop micro-encapsuled PCSs that are stable enough to withstand the harsh conditions in piping system including various commonly used components. To do the necessary experiments, a test rig was built to perform thermal cycling of different PCSs. The stability of the micro-capsules was also tested by exposing them to high shear stresses, that normally occur mainly in pumps. The compatibility of different components when used together with these PCSs was also examined. After several weeks of pumping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to control the state of the capsules visually. The thermal behaviour of the PCS was measured while it was pumped through heat exchangers. Also, a simulation tool was extended to compute thermal systems operating with these PCSs and to evaluate their potential in different applications.