Theoretical evaluation of the use of Phase Change Material Emulsions and Figures of Merit

Recent researches show Phase Change Material Emulsions (PCMEs) could be suitable for comfort cooling applications, and particularly the paraffin-in-water emulsions [1], [2], [3]. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the trade-offs between the PCMEs composition, characteristics and practical applications. Two figures of merit (FOMs) are theoretically proposed to evaluate the performance of the PCME for industrial applications; a first FOM, H used to compare the heat transfer performance of the emulsion in comparison to that of water and a second FOM, N used to define the ratio of the net heat exchange between the two fluids of the heat exchanger when using PCME to when using water. This work represents an attempt by the author to approach a more complete characterization of this type of fluid that can be used as a guideline in the design of PCME applications.