MODIFICATION OF COMPOSITE PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS WITH SODIUM ACETATE TRIHYDRATE AND ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATIONS

Ma Yuxiang; Luo Kai; Ye Weiliang; Fei Hua; Wang Yan; Wang Lei

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0723

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3) : 543-555. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0723

MODIFICATION OF COMPOSITE PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS WITH SODIUM ACETATE TRIHYDRATE AND ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATIONS

Ma Yuxiang, Luo Kai, Ye Weiliang, Fei Hua, Wang Yan, Wang Lei

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Abstract

Sodium acetate trihydrate （SAT） has been identified as a potential energy storage material in the field of solar thermal collectors because of its advantageous latent heat of phase transition and suitable phase transition temperature. However, SAT is subject to defects such as subcooling and phase separation during the phase transition. In the present study, a range of thickeners and nano-nucleating agents were utilised in the modification of SAT, with the objective of producing composite SAT with optimal performance. It was observed that the composite SAT not only ameliorated the inherent limitations of SAT, but also exhibited favourable thermal properties. The study proceeded to explore the mechanism of phase separation and subcooling of SAT, and the associated solutions. A comparative analysis was conducted on the inhibition of phase separation and subcooling of SAT with thickening and nucleating agents. Finally, the potential applications of the composite SAT in solar energy post-modification were examined. Following the modification of composite SAT, the subsequent direction of application in the field of solar energy is discussed.

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energy storage / phase change materials / solar energy / subcooling / phase separation

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Ma Yuxiang, Luo Kai, Ye Weiliang, Fei Hua, Wang Yan, Wang Lei. MODIFICATION OF COMPOSITE PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS WITH SODIUM ACETATE TRIHYDRATE AND ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATIONS[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(3): 543-555 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0723

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