Phase-change dispersions are a very good way of generating pumpable fluids with an apparently increased thermal capacity in defined temperature ranges. This opens up completely new possibilities in applications where a constant temperature plays a major role. The challenges here are in the material combinations of the continuous phase, dispersed phase, emulsifiers and other additives, plus in the crystallization of the PCM that is present in the dispersion in extremely small volumes. For the characterization of the relevant properties such as crystallization, thermal properties, dispersion stability and the distribution of particle sizes, the Competence Center Thermal Energy Systems and Process Engineering has an analysis laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art measuring instruments, which can be used for the precise measurement of the material properties. Among others, research topics include the analysis of phase-change dispersions (PCD), their design with new material combinations and their application.
