Review of the T-history method to determine thermophysical properties of phase change materials (PCM)

Phase change materials (PCM) are able to store thermal energy when becoming liquid and to release it when solidifying. Latent heat storage has gained importance due the applications towards increasing energy efficiency in several systems. Thus, a correct and accurate thermal characterization of these materials should be achieved. Among all possible thermal analysis methods to determine PCM thermophysical properties, the T-history method presents certain advantages. The T-history method is known to be suitable to obtain fusion enthalpy, specific heat and thermal conductivity for large phase change materials samples. On the other hand, no experimental T-history equipment is commercially available yet. Therefore, the goal of this paper is moving towards a consensus. To achieve this goal, a collection of similar methods previous to T-history are exposed and different proposals based on improving the original T-history method are discussed and reviewed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.