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With the continuous advancement of technology, the research and development and application of new materials are increasingly becoming an important force driving industry progress. Recently, the aluminum powder-based phase change material (PCM) laboratory twin screw extruder GTE35, customized by Maquinaria Granuwel for an overseas client, has successfully completed pre-delivery commissioning. This marks the imminent deployment of this innovative equipment in scientific research and production fields, supporting the development of phase change material technology.
Granuwel GTE35 laboratory twin screw extruder
The GTE35 laboratory twin screw extruder adopts a unique split-structure cylinder design, which brings several significant advantages:
1) .Rapid Cleaning:The design allows the cylinder to open quickly, enabling thorough cleaning of material residues. This feature greatly facilitates user transitions between different materials, reducing the time required for cleaning the machine cylinder. Traditional integrated cylinder designs often require significant time and effort for disassembly and cleaning, whereas the split-structure cylinder effectively addresses this issue, enhancing experimental efficiency.
2). Online Research:The split-structure cylinder allows users to study the melting state of materials online. By observing and recording real-time changes in the material during processing, researchers can obtain more reliable data support, which is significant for the field of materials science.
3). Exception Handling:During the experimental process, abnormal situations such as screw jamming occur occasionally. The design of the split-structure cylinder allows for quick access to the interior in these cases, facilitating the cleaning of molten material inside the cavity. This avoids the heavy labor required for disassembling traditional integrated cylinders and reduces equipment downtime, enhancing the continuity and stability of experiments.
4). Temperature Control: The GTE35 laboratory twin screw extruder is also equipped with an advanced temperature control system that ensures uniform and stable temperature distribution during experiments. This is particularly important for experiments requiring precise temperature control, contributing to the accuracy and repeatability of experimental results.
Granuwel split-structure cylinder
2. Classification Of Phase Change Materials
Phase Change Materials (PCM) can be classified into three main categories basedon their chemical composition and physical properties: organic PCM, inorganic PCM, and bio-based PCM.
- Organic Phase Change Materials, mainly including1. Organic Phase Change Materials, mainly including acids and their esters, mainly including paraffin wax, fatty acids and their esters, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polylactic acid (PLA). Paraffin wax, extracted from petroleum, has stable chemical properties and high latent heat of phase change, widely used in solar water heaters, building insulation, and electronic equipment cooling. Fatty acids and their esters, typically derived from animal and plant oils, possess good biodegradability and thermal stability, suitable for temperature regulation in textiles and food packaging. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a non-toxic, odorless synthetic polymer material with adjustable phase change temperatures, extensively used in medical supplies, cosmetics, and personal care products. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polylactic acid (PLA) play roles in drug delivery systems and biomedical engineering as well as in packaging materials and 3D printing due to their good solubility and biocompatibility, and biodegradability, respectively.
- Inorganic Phase Change Materials, including hydrated salts such as sodiumsulfate decahydrate and calcium chloride hexahydrate. These materials absorb a large amount of heat during melting and are mainly used in passive solar heating systems and refrigeration boxes in cold chain logistics. Metals like aluminum and zinc also have phase change properties and can be used as high-performance thermal conduction media. Additionally, metal alloys such as gallium-indium-tin (GaInSn) alloy have important applications in electronic device cooling and the aerospace field. Graphite intercalation compounds, composed of graphite and alkali metals or other elements, possess excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making them suitable foruse in battery technology and thermal management systems.
- Bio-based Phase Change Materials, primarily composed of vegetable oils, cellulose derivatives, chitosan, lignin, protein-based materials, algae extracts, and microbial fermentation products. These materials are extracted from agricultural by-products, plant fibers, crustacean shells, wood processing by-products, and animal or plant sources, representing sustainable resources. They can be used in food preservation, temperature control in agricultural greenhouses, water treatment, and the biomedical field.
Aluminum Powder-based Phase Change Material (PCM)
3. The Application Prospects Of Phase Change Materials (Pcm)
New Energy Storage
- Solar Thermal Energy Storage: Phase Change Materials can absorb and store excess solar heat during the day and release it at night or during peak demand, providing a stable thermal energy supply. This application not only improves solar energy utilization efficiency but also reduces reliance on traditional energy sources.
- Geothermal Energy Systems: In geothermal power generation and heating systems, Phase Change Materials can serve as a temporary thermal storage medium to balance the difference between supply and demand, enhancing system operation efficiency and economic viability.
- Wind Energy Conversion:For wind power generation, fluctuations in wind speed can lead to unstable electrical output. By using Phase Change Materials to store energy, it is possible to store energy during periods of low wind speed and release it during high wind speeds, making wind power more stable and reliable.
- Ocean Energy Utilization:In ocean thermal energy conversion technology, Phase Change Materials can be used to enhance the system’s thermal efficiency by absorbing heat from seawater and releasing it when needed, providing new possibilities for the development of marine energy.
Battery Thermal Management
- Electric Vehicle Battery Pack: As electric vehicles become more widespread, thermal management of battery packs becomes increasingly important. Phase Change Materials can effectively absorb the heat generated during battery operation, preventing overheating that could lead to performance degradation or even safety incidents.
- Mobile Electronic Devices:Smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices generate significant heat during prolonged use. The application of Phase Change Materials can help these devices dissipate heat more effectively, extending their lifespan and enhancing user experience.
- Data Center Cooling:Servers and other electronic devices in data centers generate substantial heat during operation. Employing Phase Change Materials for thermal management can significantly reduce energy consumption, decrease the need for air conditioning, and maintain equipment at optimal operating temperatures.
- Military Equipment Protection: Some military equipment may encounter high temperatures when operating in extreme environments. The incorporation of Phase Change Materials can provide an additional protective layer for these devices, ensuring their normal operation under harsh conditions.
Temperature Regulation in Buildings and the Medical Field
- Smart Buildings:Integrated with Internet of Things technology, Phase Change Materials can automatically regulate indoor temperatures. For example, when outdoor temperatures rise, the materials absorb heat and melt; when outdoor temperatures drop, they start to solidify and release heat, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
- Hospital Operating Rooms:The temperature requirements during surgery are extremely stringent. Phase Change Materials can be used to control temperature fluctuations in operating rooms, ensuring the safety and comfort of surgical procedures.
- Cold Chain Logistics: The transportation of pharmaceuticals requires stringent temperature control. Phase Change Materials can be used to manufacture thermal insulation boxes, ensuring that medicines remain within the appropriate temperature range throughout the entire transportation process.
Textile Industry
- Outdoor Sports Equipment: Clothing developed for outdoor sports enthusiasts is made with Phase Change Materials, capable of automatically adjusting the internal temperature based on external temperature changes, keeping wearers comfortable at all times.
- Specialized Occupational Uniforms: Work uniforms for special professions such as firefighters and astronauts can also incorporate Phase Change Materials to address challenges under extreme temperature conditions. These materials provide necessary protection at critical moments, ensuring the safety of workers.
4. Challenges and Future Research Directions
Despite the significant application potential of Phase Change Materials, there are still some challenges, such as low thermal conductivity, leakage issues, and high costs. Future research will focus on improving the thermal conductivity of materials, reducing production costs, and developing new types of Phase Change Materials. Bio-inspired strategies and nanotechnology development will provide new approaches to solving these problems.
5. The Significance Of Granuwel Machinery's Gte35 Laboratory Twin Screw Extruder
The launch of Granuwel Machinery’s GTE35 laboratory twin screw extruder not only provides customers with an efficient experimental tool but also injects new vitality into the development of the entire Phase Change Materials field. As technology continues to improve and applications deepen, we have reason to believe that Phase Change Materials will play a more important role in the future energy and environmental fields.