Modeling the Variation in Specific Heat of Phase Change Materials during Phase Transition

Abstract

Specific heat of phase change materials varies significantly during phase transition. Accurate knowledge of variation in specific heat is vital for proper numerical simulation of heat transfer in such materials. Specific heat of phase change material (PCM) during phase transition has been modeled as delta, triangular and Gaussian function by researchers. In the present work, variation of specific heat is presented in the form of Fourier series. Fourier coefficients are calculated by considering the specific heat as periodic function of temperature within specific temperature range. Results of the presented model are validated using the experimental data available from published literature.

Keywords: phase transition, Fourier, Gaussian, specific heat, phase change material

Cite this Article

Singh SP, Bhat V. Modeling the variation in specific heat of phase change materials during phase transition. Journal of Alternate Energy Sources and Technologies. 2016; 7(2): 28–33p.