Optimization of MWCNT mixture in MicroPCM composite for thermal performance testing at different ambient temperature

• Main Author: Abdullah, Adli Zil Ikram
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/20564/1/Optimization%20Of%20MWCNT%20Mixture%20In%20MicroPCM%20Composite%20For%20Thermal%20Performance%20Testing%20At%20Different%20Ambient%20Temperature.pdf; http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/20564/2/Optimization%20of%20MWCNT%20mixture%20in%20MicroPCM%20composite%20for%20thermal%20performance%20testing%20at%20different%20ambient%20temperature.pdf; http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/20564/; https://plh.utem.edu.my/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=106323

The novel thermal management system using phase change material (PCM) is an effective way of latent heat storage as cooling application. Latent heat storage enables high energy storage density which reduces the footprint of the system and the cost. However, PCM has very low thermal conductivity making it unsuitable for large scale use without enhancing the effective thermal conductivity. In order to address this problem, multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) has been impregnated into PCM to form a viable materials for thermal management system. The objective of this study was to investigate the thermal performances of microPCM/MWCNT and its properties includes mechanical and thermal properties. Basically, the composite was formed into dics shape sizing 30 mm diameter and 5 mm width using compactions technique. The composite was prepared with different mass fraction of MWCNT of 2, 4, 7, 10 wt% to obtain optimized mass fraction of composites. The thermal test was conducted based on modified ASTM standard. Thermal conductivity and latent heat capacity were calculated based on theoretical equations. Then, thermal performance test were performed at different ambient temperatures of 15, 27, 35 and 45°C. From the study, it is interesting to find that the temperature of aluminum module, immitation of battery module was successfully reduced by attaching microPCM/MWCNT composite. It is shown in this thesis that successful implementation of thermal materials in alleviates peak energy load.