Solar energy is the most abundant and lasting renewable source available to replace fossil fuels, so that the conversion of solar power into other energy forms is a topic of great importance. The conversion of solar energy into thermal energy using phase change materials (PCMs) is particularly attractive, since they provide the capacity to store energy as latent heat of fusion at a constant temperature. Although PCMs are excellent material for thermal management and energy storage, their applications in emerging areas of the industry are hindered by several challenges: a) the use of organic PCMs from renewable materials; b) PCMs with high heat storage/release rate; and c) excellent shape-stable property which prevents the leakage of molten PCM.<br/>In this work, Candelilla wax from the wild Candelilla plant of Mexico is used as biodegradable phase change matrix for development of solar-thermal energy conversion and storage materials. Nanostructures from graphite were introduced into Candelilla wax to provide thermal conductivity and shape stability to PCMs. Candelilla wax/graphite composites, containing 15% by weight of graphite, showed shape stability without leakage up to 95 °C. Solar-thermal energy conversion tests revealed that Candelilla wax allows a heat storage/release rate faster than PCMs from paraffin. Candelilla wax is presented as an effective renewable photon captor, able to convert solar radiation into thermal energy, and storage that energy in the PCM. The results of this work provide new insights into development of renewable PCMs.

Candelilla wax as renewable source for development of solar-thermal energy conversion and storage materials

255th National Meeting (2018)

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