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Nitrate Characterization as Phase Change Materials to Evaluate Energy Storage Capacity

Abstract:

This research aims to characterize nitrates as phase change materials (PCM) for energy storage in renewable energy systems. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3), Sodium Nitrite (NaNO2) and Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) have been considered to be characterized by applying differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The heat capacity, thermal stability and microstructure of each material have been evaluated. NaNO2 has the highest enthalpy value (221 kJ.kg−1), has good thermal stability recording a maximum mass loss of 1.7% at 500 °C and its specific heat has been determined to be 1.8 kJ.kg−1.K−1. Generally, all the PCM studied have granular microstructure but have different grain sizes, in addition, they do not have cracks and porosity in their structure.