A new phase-change material experimental method and thermal behavior calculation method: Part.1 Paraffin simulation model for reproducing phase change behavior via specific heat and thermal conductivity measurements

Methods of specific heat measurement and calculation of Phase Change Materials (PCM) thermal behavior were proposed. 1. The PCM specific heat and thermal conductivity as a plane building material are measured using a Peltier device. The paraffin's specific heat is better described by the temperature measured at a point of equal distance from the external plane surfaces rather than using the surface temperature. 2. By specific heat measurements and thermal conductivity measurements, it was confirmed that not only specific heat but also thermal conductivity of paraffin depends on its temperature. The thermal conductivity is affected by phase (solid or liquid) of paraffin and convection in liquid phase. Therefore, the specific heat and the conductivity should be considered when calculating the paraffin temperature.