Author:
Navarro M,Lázaro A,Diarce G,Delgado M
Abstract
Abstract
Sugar alcohols are promising materials for latent heat-based thermal energy systems. Xylitol stands out among them for its high phase change enthalpy and density. However, xylitol, as well as other sugar alcohols, show undercooling and low crystallization rates, which hinder it potential as a phase change material. This work studies the effect of the seeding and shearing technique on crystallization, in addition to the effect of the operation conditions, such as temperature or shear. To do so, two systems are studied: a rheometer and a stirred tank. Induction times are then calculated from temperature and viscosity curves, and a crystallization model is used to study the influence of operating conditions in crystallization.