Research Projects

The current study is focussed to evaluate the thermal performance of PCM composite in a heat sink to store energy. Entrapping available latent heat is a promising solution for effective energy utilization of a thermal system. This can be achieved with the help of developing a high quality PCM composite with minimal temperature variation. The inherent properties of PCMs like non-corrosive, low cost, safe to handle are inhibited due to its low thermal conductivity. Remarkable improvement can be achieved in the heat transfer capability and storing it in a system by attaching metal foams with PCM. Porous substrate in other terms called as open cell metal foams have the advantage of light weight and compact size which makes it a better contenders from solid metal counterparts. Instead of using a single metal block, these foams consists of larger surface area density and less weight where thickness of interconnected foams, pore size and porosity are major influencing factors for effective thermal management. These metallic foams will be made up of different materials through powder metallurgy route with the aid of space holders which gives them high stiffness and utmost energy absorbing capabilities.