Enhancing thermal energy storage efficiency: Synthesis and analysis of hybrid Nano-PCMs

Heating, processing, and drying operations require substantial heat energy across various temperature ranges,
necessitating efficient thermal energy storage solutions. Phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used for this
purpose, but their low thermal conductivity limits performance. This study enhances the thermo-physical
properties of erythritol and xylitol by incorporating copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles
at a 1.5 % weight ratio. The synthesized hybrid nano-PCMs were characterized for thermal properties and
assessed in a multi-temperature thermal energy storage system using Therminol-66 as the heat transfer fluid.
Results showed significant improvements in thermal conductivity, diffusivity, density, and specific heat capacity
due to nanoparticle doping. Among the tested materials, Er-Zn and Xy-Zn exhibited the highest thermal conductivities (0.3012 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹ and 0.4496 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹, respectively) and achieved superior heat transfer rates
(3596.73 KJ and 2629.54 KJ). These findings demonstrate the potential of hybrid nano-PCMs to enhance the
efficiency of thermal energy storage systems, making them viable for advanced energy storage applications.
Future research should focus on scaling production, long-term stability, and broader application possibilities.