Thermal Energy Storage System Using Nano Material Doped Paraffin Wax

The increasing global energy demand, coupled with rising concerns over climate change, has intensified the need for efficient and sustainable energy systems. Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies play a pivotal role in addressing intermittency issues associated with renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency and enabling load shifting in thermal systems. Among TES methods, phase change materials (PCMs) have attracted significant attention due to their high energy storage density and near-constant temperature operation during phase transition. Paraffin wax is one of the most widely studied PCMs owing to its chemical stability, suitable melting temperature range, and low cost. However, its inherently low thermal conductivity limits heat transfer performance and overall system efficiency. This research focuses on enhancing the thermal performance of paraffin-based TES systems by doping the PCM with high-conductivity nanomaterials. The inclusion of nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and metallic nanoparticles can significantly increase thermal conductivity, reduce charging/discharging time, and improve system responsiveness. In this study, nano material doped paraffin wax is synthesized and characterized for thermal properties, stability, and energy storage capacity. Experimental analysis and numerical modeling are employed to evaluate the performance of the enhanced PCM within a TES system. Results demonstrate substantial improvements in thermal conductivity and storage efficiency, indicating the high potential of nano-enhanced PCM for advanced thermal energy storage applications in renewable energy systems and industrial thermal management.