Introduction to Smart Materials - Phase Change Materials

INTRODUCTION TO SMART MATERIALS Phase Change sds Materials Bilal SOYDAN Mehmet Alp KUNDURACI Mehmet Sefa YILMAZ Mehmet Ali YAZICI Saad AKIN DECEMBER 2...

INTRODUCTION TO SMART MATERIALS Phase Change sds Materials Bilal SOYDAN Mehmet Alp KUNDURACI Mehmet Sefa YILMAZ Mehmet Ali YAZICI Saad AKIN DECEMBER 2024  Contents Introduction to PCMs and Historical Background of PCMs. Classification of PCMs. Industrial Applications of PCMs. Academic Researches. Future of PCMs. 2 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  BRAINSTORMING How would industries and everyday life be impacted if Phase Change Materials had never been developed? 3 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  What is Phase Change Material A Phase Change Material (PCM) is a material that absorbs or releases energy during a phase change, providing heating or cooling. During this phase change prosses, latent heat is released. If a material reaches the phase transition temperature, it continuously absorb the energy without a significant rise in the temperature and transform to another phase. When the temperature falls, it returns to the old phase and releases Figure 1: Temperature – Energy graph of a phase changing material. the stored latent heat. 4 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Historical Development of Phase Change Materials Ancient Egypt and Rome: Natural materials such as ice and brine solutions were used to regulate temperatures in food storage and refrigeration systems. Although not recognized as PCM at the time, these practices laid the foundation for the understanding of thermal storage. 18th-19th Century: Scientists began to study heat transfer and latent heat. This work provided a theoretical basis for PCM applications, but practical use remained limited. Figure 2: Ancient usage of PCMs. 5 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Historical Development of Phase Change Materials 1940s: PCM found its first modern application in energy storage and thermal management systems during World War II. Paraffin waxes, known for their stable melting and freezing points, were among the earliest materials used. 1960s-1970s: Research on latent heat storage systems gained momentum and focused on improving the thermal efficiency of heating and cooling systems. Figure 3: Paraffin wax used in simple heat energy storage. 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Historical Development of Phase Change Materials 1970s - 1990s Energy Crisis Era: PCM began to gain traction Textiles and Packaging: PCM began to as energy-saving technologies became a priority. be used in textiles to regulate body Applications expanded to building materials for temperature and in packaging to protect passive heating and cooling systems. temperature-sensitive products. Figure 4: PCMs used in building materials. Figure 5: PCMs used in textile. 7 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Historical Development of Phase Change Materials 2000s - Present Technological Developments: The development of microencapsulation techniques has allowed PCM to be embedded in building materials, textiles and electronic devices without leakage. Energy Storage Systems: It is used to efficiently store energy in renewable energy systems, especially in solar and wind power plants. Wider Applications: Modern PCMs are now used in smart textiles, electronic cooling systems, thermal energy storage for buildings and the transportation of sensitive goods. Figure 6: Example of technological developments. 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Scientists Who Contributed To PCM Studies Scientists and teams who have made revolutionary contributions to the study of PCM have played an important role in the development and application of these materials. Below are some of the leading scientists and their work in this field. Joseph Black (1728–1799): Established the theoretical basis for the processes of energy storage and release during phase change of matter. Gustav Magnus (1802–1870): Conducted important theoretical studies to understand the thermodynamic behavior of PCM materials. Harold Hay (1909–1998): Conducted one of the first studies demonstrating the applicability of PCM in building design. S. A. Salyer (1980s): Enabled the use of PCM in daily practice. Jan Kosny: Demonstrated the potential of PCM in building energy saving applications. H. Mehling and L. Cabeza: Provided an extensive literature on the use of PCM for energy systems and sustainable design. PCM in Space Exploration: Demonstrated the applicability of PCM in extreme conditions such as space. 9 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Types Of Phase Change Materials Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are classified into three main categories based on their chemical nature: organic, inorganic, and eutectic. Organic PCMs are further divided into two subcategories: paraffin and non paraffin materials. Paraffin PCMs, derived from petroleum, are the most commonly used types in PCMs. Non-paraffin organic PCMs, on the other hand, are made from various organic compounds. Inorganic PCMs are categorized into salt hydrates and metal-based materials. Salt hydrates are popular in thermal energy storage. On the other hand Metal-based PCMs are less common but they are valued for their excellent thermal conductivity and high heat storage capacity. Eutectic PCMs are combinations of different materials to achieve unique thermal properties. These can be classified as organic-organic, inorganic- inorganic or organic-inorganic PCMs. By carefully selecting and mixing materials, eutectic PCMs can meet specific performance requirements. Figure 7: Types of PCMs. 10 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Organic Phase Change Materials Organic phase change materials (PCMs) are substances that absorb and release thermal energy when transitioning between solid and liquid states. They are derived from organic compounds, which include hydrocarbons and natural substances. Figure 8: Organic PCM working mechanism. 11 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Types of Organic Phase Change Materials Paraffin PCMs, derived from petroleum, are widely used organic phase change materials with high latent heat of fusion, making them ideal for temperature stability applications. However, their low thermal conductivity requires modifications to enhance heat transfer. Non-paraffin PCMs, like fatty acids derived from natural oils, are more eco-friendly and commonly used in thermal storage and building materials. Despite their environmental benefits, they have lower latent heat compared to paraffin PCMs, limiting their energy storage capacity. Figure 9: AI generated image. 12 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Inorganic Phase Change Materials Inorganic PCMs are materials that undergo a phase change from solid to liquid (or vice versa). They are typically composed of metals, salts or metal alloys. They are generally more cost-effective than organic PCMs. However, they tend to face issues like phase separation, supercooling, and dehydration. Figure 10: Encapsulation of inorganic PCMs. 13 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Types of Inorganic Phase Change Materials Salt hydrate PCMs, composed of salts and water, are common inorganic PCMs used in solar energy storage and building thermal management. Their main drawback is phase separation, which reduces effectiveness. Metallic PCMs, including pure metals and alloys like sodium and potassium, excel in high-temperature storage and electronic cooling due to their high heat capacity. However, their high cost, uneven phase change, and complex heat transfer management limit broader use. Figure 11: Material properties of some PCMs. 14 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Eutectic Phase Change Materials Eutectic PCMs are materials formed by combining two or more different substances, typically organic and inorganic. There are three types ;organic organic PCMs,inorganic-inorganic PCMs and organic inorganic PCMs.They offer several advantages , such as high energy storage capacity,better thermal conductivity and a controlled phase change temperature. However they have also disadvantages like phase seperation ,stability issues and the risk of corrosion. Figure 12: Eutectic PCMs. 15 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Types of Eutectic Phase Change Materials Organic-Organic PCMs: These are made by blending two or more organic PCMs, such as fatty acids or paraffins. These are combined to achieve a specific melting point and energy storage capacity. Inorganic-Inorganic PCMs: These combine two or more inorganic PCMs, such as salt hydrates. Their purpose is to improve thermal conductivity and energy density. They are cost-effective and suitable for high-temperature applications, but they may face challenges like phase separation or hydration issues. Organic-Inorganic PCMs: These mix organic and inorganic PCMs to balance the benefits of both, such as stability from organics and high conductivity from inorganics. They are versatile and widely used in areas like solar energy systems and electronic cooling. 16 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Comparison Table of PCM Properties Table 1: Comparison of the main PCMs from an online presentation. 17 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Applications of Phase Change Material in Industry Phase Change Materials (PCMs) offer many innovative solutions for energy saving and thermal management in industrial sectors. In this section, the use of PCMs in areas such as building and construction, renewable energy, electronics cooling, logistics, textiles and aviation will be examined. Figure 13: Applications of PCMs. 18 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Building and Construction Industry PCMs are widely used in the construction industry to create energy-efficient buildings. When integrated into walls, floors or roof panels, they reduce indoor temperature fluctuations and lower energy consumption. PCMs are particularly effective in thermal insulation, reducing both cooling and heating loads and thus reducing energy costs. Figure 14: PCMs used in building and construction materials. Figure 15: The energy storage density (for a material heating from 20 °C to 26 °C). 19 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Thermal Energy Storage PCMs play an important role in the efficient storage of solar energy. Especially in solar water heating systems, they store thermal energy and provide use at night. PCM-based storage systems increase the sustainability of renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency. Figure 16:Layout of CSP tower with PCM integrated TES technology. Figure 17: Layout of a solar water heater using PCMs based TES technology. 20 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Electronic Cooling Systems Overheating of electronic devices and batteries can lead to performance loss and damage. PCMs provide thermal safety to devices by controlling temperature fluctuations. This technology is used especially in data centers and high-performance battery applications. Overheating Prevention PCMs absorb excess heat generated by electronics, preventing overheating and extending the lifespan of devices and components Battery Performance Enhancement PCMs maintain optimal battery temperatures, enhancing performance, extending battery life, and preventing degradation Improved Reliability Thermal management with PCMs improves reliability and stability of electronic devices, reducing the risk of malfunctions and failures. Figure 18: PCMs used in electronic cooling systems. 21 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Food and Drug Transportation Cold chain logistics require temperature-controlled transportation of food and drugs. PCMs maintain the temperature of frozen or sensitive products during transportation. This both preserves product quality and increases energy efficiency in logistics. Figure 19: PCM application in food delivery. Figure 20: Innovative solutions of PCMs in pharmaceutical industury. 22 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Textiles and Wearable Technology The temperature-regulating properties of PCMs have paved the way for new applications in the textile industry. For example, these materials balance temperature changes in sports equipment and outdoor clothing, improving user comfort. They are also used in temperature management in medical textiles. Figure 21: PCM applications in textile sector. Figure 22: PCM integration in clothing. 23 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Aerospace Industry PCMs are critical for controlling temperature fluctuations in spacecraft. They provide energy savings in aircraft fuel systems and airframe designs, improving flight performance and increasing the durability of systems. Figure 23: PCM applications in spacecraft systems and aircraft designs. 24 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Number of Research On PCMs by Years As seen in figure, the research focus on phase change materials has been steadily increasing over the last decade. The number of annual publications has gradually increased over the last decade, reaching approximately 10,479 publications. Figure 24: No. of researches on PCMs by years. 25 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Literature reports on various applications of PCMs According to figure, the primary applications of PCMs are in buildings, with solar energy storage applications following closely behind. Research articles on PCM applications for water treatment (desalination), healthcare and pharmaceuticals (drug), and food applications are comparatively less prevalent. Figure 25: No. Of researches by topics. 26 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Buildings and Construction Researches Frahat and his colleagues prepared a PCM composite based on stearic-capric acid eutectic PCM and wood fibers to be used as thermal insulation in buildings. The composite was tested in four different climate zones of Turkey, one city from each climate zone: Ankara, Istanbul, Erzurum and Antalya, to understand its impact on fuel, cost and carbon emission savings. The maximum PCM loading into wood fibers was 52 % without leakage and the enthalpy was 90 J/g. PCM composite can achieve annual energy savings of 20 kWh/m2, with annual energy savings of 53% using 0.1 m thick PCM composite insulation. The maximum carbon emission reduction was recorded when coal was used as fuel, and a reduction of 18 kg CO2/m2 was recorded in Figure 26: PCMs in building. Istanbul. The payback period for PCM composites ranged from 0.4 to 5.8 years, depending on fuel and location. 27 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Solar Energy Storage Researches Fan and colleagues developed a simple, scalable PCM-based device that simultaneously enhances heat conduction and light absorption for solar water heating applications. Compared with the original composite and MWCNT-doped composite, the PCM-based system with MWCNT and blades increased the temperature of water by 58% and 55%, respectively. The maximum thermal efficiency of the proposed system is up to 89%, which exceeds that of most flat plate and tube solar collectors. Figure 27: Solar energy application process steps. Figure 28: MWCMT aquired form graphene. 28 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Automobile Researches Saleel and his colleagues conducted three-month experiments by placing coconut oil as PCM under the roof of the vehicle in the Abha region of Saudi Arabia to regulate cabin temperature. Initial monitoring of cabin temperature without PCM produced data primarily consistent with theoretical values in the literature. PCM reduced the maximum temperature inside the cabin by 15 °C. Figure 29: AI generated image of car roof with PCM integrated. 29 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Power Generation Researches Win and colleagues performed an experimental analysis of the thermal properties and power generation of Thermo Electric Generator (TEG) facades under various solar heating conditions. The findings revealed that the maximum power output for TEGs connected to a typical structural facade using 25 cm thick reinforced concrete was 100.0 mW/m2. TEG bonded to a 3 cm thick microencapsulated phase change material (mPCM) honeycomb sheet had the highest energy rating for non-structural facades when it comes to internal heat gain. Figure 30: TEG system schematic. 30 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Textile Researches Renard and colleagues presented the thermal properties of multilayer protective clothing, focusing on the effect of phase change material (PCM) addition on the actual heat conduction. Octadecane macrocapsules containing multilayer textile assemblies and reference textiles containing polypropylene macrogranules were compared in terms of heat conduction. It was observed that assemblies containing Figure 31: AI genarated image of PCM increased the temperature by capsulated PCM. 12 °C for a longer period of time than the Figure 32: AI generated image of PCM application in textiles. reference assemblies. 31 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Future Developments of PCMs The advancement in PCMs made the thermal energy storage systems develop with high rates, PCMs enhance the efficiency, and the capacity of heat storage systems but it has some challenges. To overcome these challenges PCMs have been further improved and are still being improved to gain the maximum output. Next-Generation PCMs: Porous Material PCMs: Enhanced conductivity and leakage prevention using carbon scaffolds, metal foams. Silica(SiO2)-Based composite PCMs: thermal resistivity, non-toxic, has a porous-like structure, can be adjustable for specific applications. Figure 33: Fabrication technique of porous structured foams from copper mesh for impregnation of PCM. 32 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Innovations in Design Integration of nanomaterials for better conductivity a. and stability. Photo-Switchable and Biomimetic PCMs for adaptivity. b. Carbon based sturcture and metal foams to improve stability. Biochar based PCMs gained from agricultural c. waste for eco-friendly solutions. Further development of encapsulation techniques. 3D printed and flexible PCMs. Figure 34: a) research progress on photo-switch PCMs; b)Nature- inspired design composite PCM storage device; c) Flexible PCM films with unique shapes. 33 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Environmental Impact of PCMs Positive Contributions: Environmental Challenges: Energy savings: Reduce energy consumption Disposal Concerns: Recycling challenges for rate in buildings and industrial applications. nanomaterial-enhanced PCMs. Adaptability: Supports renewable energy Material Safety: Flammability of organic PCMs integration. and corrosiveness of inorganic PCMs. Non-pollutant & usability: Non-polluting and Public Acceptance: Addressing misconceptions requires low-maintenance. about chemical safety. 34 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  A World Without PCM: Shortcomings and Impacts Energy Chaos: Modern buildings would be forced to waste energy in unbearable heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. Electronic devices would quickly fail due to overheating, and renewable energy sources would become unsustainable. Environmental Disaster: Greenhouse gas emissions would increase exponentially, and the pressure on nature would become unbearable. We would lack a powerful tool to combat global warming. Innovation Stagnation: Many critical technologies, from space exploration to medical refrigeration, would be lacking, and it would be impossible to reach the future we envision. Economic Stagnation: Key sectors such as logistics, construction, and automotive would lose efficiency, costs would skyrocket, and economic development would be hampered. 35 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Conclusion Conclusion Phase change materials are leading sustainable energy solutions, solving critical challenges in thermal regulation and energy storage. From their basic forms to advanced designs like photoswitchable PCMs, they show a significant potential for industrial, medical, and environmental applications. Our exploration of their types, advantages, challenges, applications, and future directions shows that PCMs are essential to achieve a sustainable energy future. 36 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  Thank you for your listening 37 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4​  References 1) Nabwey, H. A., & Tony, M. A. (2023). Thermal Energy Storage Using a Hybrid Composite Based on Technical-Grade Paraffin-AP25 Wax as a Phase Change Material. Nanomaterials, 13(19), 2635. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192635 2) Bahman Soleiman Dehkordi, Masoud Afrand, Energy-saving owing to using PCM into buildings: Considering of hot and cold climate region, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Volume 52, Part B, 2022, 102112, ISSN 2213-1388, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102112. 3) Shahid MA, Hossain MT, Hossain I, Limon MGM, Rabbani M, Rahim A. Research and development on phase change material-integrated cloth: A review. 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