Authors : Okonkwo Boniface Ugochukwu; Okeudo Wisdom Ifesinachi; Echefu Chibuzor Emmanuel; Okere Simeon Chibuike; Ukaebi Ugochukwu Desire; Eze Joshua Chidozie

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3vpsyvk3

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2bzhsrkc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb1001

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) offers an effective strategy for mitigating renewable energy intermittency and reducing cooling demand in tropical climates. This study presents the development and evaluation of a paraffin wax–palm stearin composite PCM designed for low-temperature thermal energy storage applications. A 70:30 mass ratio composite was prepared via controlled melt blending and macro-encapsulation in aluminium foil. Thermophysical properties were estimated using the rule of mixtures, yielding a theoretical latent heat of 184.5 kJ/kg and a total storage capacity of 276.75 kJ for a 1.5 kg slab. Experimental performance was assessed using a comparative dual-chamber model under 200 W heating and natural cooling conditions. Results indicate successful latent heat storage, with a pronounced phase transition plateau at 40–42°C during discharge and a temperature retention of 11.7°C relative to the control after 60 minutes of cooling. The composite demonstrates cost reduction relative to pure paraffin wax and exhibits promising thermal buffering capability for passive cooling and solar heat storage in tropical environments.

Keywords : Phase Change Materials; Thermal Energy Storage; Paraffin Wax; Palm Stearin; Composite PCM; Passive Cooling; Tropical Climate.

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