Novel Expand-To-Shape latent heat storage systems based on carbon composite materials

Carbon-based latent heat storage systems represent a powerful class of thermal management materials that allow for the dissipation of heat produced during peak electronic output operation. The composite materials unite the good thermal conductivity of carbon, usually in the form of graphite, with the thermal characteristics of phase change materials (PCM). Applications are found in automotive systems, such as passive cooling of components in vehicles with internal combustion engines. It is also used in electric vehicles that require a suitable temperature management system, especially for the battery cells to prevent thermal runaway and maintain the required operation temperature of the cell packs [1]. Electronic components, such as those found in mobile devices or power electronics, can successfully be thermally regulated and protected against overheating by phase change composite materials. Other well-known applications are temperature control in buildings and the heating of water [1,2]. In many cases, the geometry of the desired temperature regulation components hamper their success in commercial applications. Here, a novel preparation method is presented that allows for the straightforward manufacturing of complex geometries followed by the infiltration with a phase change material working at the required temperature. The porosity as well as the operating temperature of the composite can be adjusted by tuning the process parameters and by a careful choice of employed raw materials.