Bio Based PCMs
Sustainable Bio-Based Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage and Thermal Management
Introduction
- Bio based PCMs are phase change materials derived from renewable and naturally sourced compounds, developed to provide effective thermal energy storage while supporting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- They are increasingly used in applications where material safety, environmental impact, and long-term thermal performance are critical considerations. Bio based PCMs enable temperature regulation and energy efficiency while reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials.
- These materials play an important role in the transition toward sustainable thermal management solutions across industrial, commercial, and consumer applications.
Material Overview
- Bio based phase change materials are typically formulated from plant-derived or naturally occurring organic compounds that exhibit stable phase change behavior.
- During phase transition, bio based PCMs absorb and release latent heat at defined temperatures, allowing systems to maintain stable thermal conditions with minimal temperature fluctuation. Their molecular structure supports repeatable melting and solidification cycles, making them suitable for long-term use.
- Bio based PCMs combine thermal functionality with environmental compatibility, enabling integration into systems where sustainability and performance must coexist.
Bio Based PCMs Categories
| Product | PCMCOOL Bio18 | PCMCOOL Bio23 | PCMCOOL Bio24 | PCMCOOL Bio28 | PCMCOOL Bio38 | PCMCOOL Bio48 | PCMCOOL Bio58 | PCMCOOL Bio70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase Change Temperature | 18°C | 23°C | 24°C | 28°C | 38°C | 48°C | 58°C | 70°C |
| Latent Heat (J/g) | 200 | 205 | 180 | 200 | 220 | 210 | 240 | 200 |
Key Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Bio-based organic phase change material |
| Latent Heat | Moderate latent heat storage capacity |
| Phase Change Temperature | Customizable based on application needs |
| Thermal Conductivity | Comparable to organic PCMs |
| Energy Density | Suitable for sustainable thermal storage systems |
Thermal Performance Behavior
Bio based PCMs provide stable thermal buffering during both heat absorption and heat release processes. The phase change occurs within a controlled temperature range, allowing systems to maintain consistent thermal conditions during operation. This thermal behavior is particularly valuable in applications where temperature stability and gentle thermal regulation are required rather than rapid heat transfer, such as passive cooling and temperature-controlled environments.
Long-Term Cycling Reliability
Bio based PCMs are designed to maintain consistent thermal performance over repeated phase change cycles. Their stable chemical structure supports repeatable melting and solidification without significant degradation in latent heat capacity. This long-term reliability makes bio based PCMs suitable for systems that operate continuously or over extended lifecycles, including building-integrated systems and long-term thermal storage applications.
Design & Integration Considerations
When integrating bio based PCMs into thermal systems, factors such as material compatibility, operating temperature range, and system configuration should be carefully evaluated. System design should ensure effective heat exchange while maintaining material stability and performance over repeated thermal cycles. Proper integration supports long-term reliability and consistent thermal regulation.
Typical Applications
Sustainable Building Systems
Temperature-Controlled Packaging
Medical & Healthcare Storage
Passive Thermal Regulation Systems
Advantages
- High latent heat storage capacity
- Sharp and well-defined phase change temperature
- Higher thermal conductivity compared to organic PCMs
- Suitable for compact thermal storage designs
Bio Based PCMs VS Normal Paraffin Based PCMs
| Aspect | Bio-based PCMs | Normal Paraffin Based PCMs |
|---|---|---|
| Material Origin | Derived from renewable biological sources | Petroleum-derived hydrocarbons |
| Sustainability | Renewable and environmentally oriented | Conventional material source |
| Chemical Consistency | May vary depending on formulation | Highly uniform molecular structure |
| Phase Change Behavior | Stable within designed temperature range | Narrow and well-defined phase change range |
| Long-term Performance | Dependent on formulation and stabilization | Highly predictable over long-term cycling |
| Corrosiveness | Non-corrosive | Non-corrosive |
| Typical Applications | Sustainability-focused thermal storage systems | Precision temperature control applications |
Engineering Challenges and Considerations
- Material composition may vary depending on bio-based formulation
- Long-term performance depends on stabilization and operating conditions
How PCMCOOL Addresses These Challenges
- Controlled formulation to ensure stable phase change behavior
- Performance validation under application-relevant conditions
How PCMCOOL Supplies Bio Based PCMs
- Multiple temperature grades based on bio-based formulations
- Technical documentation and integration support
Looking for Sustainable Thermal Storage Solutions?
Contact us to explore how bio based PCMs can support your thermal energy storage, sustainability, and temperature management objectives.