IBC Europe (Germany) and Phase Energy Ltd. (UK) have jointly developed shape stable technology for organic wax-based PCMs. Following four years of R&D, the technology is now being evaluated by several organisations. Our major focus has been the cold chain market with work on the 2 – 8 degree Centigrade area predominating. Initial tests indicate that little, if any, enthalpy is lost; possibly due to the very low level of additives required. For instance, a tetradecane-based material would typically contain >90% PCM, and levels of up to 96% have been achieved. The attached image shows a shape stable sample, 100 x 30 x 12mm, containing 92% tetradecane and 8% additives, being stretched to >700mm. When released the sample returned to its original size. So far, the technology has been used for paraffins, esters etc. and on a range of PCMs with M.Pts. of up to 53 degrees Centigrade. Contact details are as follows:
Germany – Rainer Busch rainer.busch@ibceurope.de
UK – Ian Biggin ian.biggin@phase-energy.com
