Unconventional experimental technologies available for phase change materials (PCM) characterization. Part 1. Thermophysical properties

The use of thermal energy storage by phase change materials (PCM) is increasing in interest for building applications. For the deployment of the technology, appropriate characterization of PCM and hybrid PCM is essential, but it is not always possible to carry it out with conventional equipment, mainly due to the sample size. This paper shows equipment developed in different research centers and universities to analyze thermophysical properties, such as specific heat, latent heat and melting temperature, and thermal conductivity and diffusivity of PCM and hybrid PCM materials.