Solid-liquid phase change for advanced energy and environmental applications

In thermal/energy engineering, solid-liquid phase change processes are encountered in a wide variety of application areas such as the energy, solar, environmental, space and metallurgical industries. The objectives of this research proposal are to perform experimental studies and to develop theories on solid-liquid phase change processes, as well as to develop novel energy saving and conversion systems through applications such as latent heat energy storage systems, thermal insulation and laser drilling. This is an important experimental and theoretical research area because proper understanding of these processes and the application to energy and thermal systems will facilitate the management of energy demand, use and production, as well as the known environmental consequences associated with it. For example, phase change latent heat storage systems can be used to store thermal energy during off-peak electricity demand periods, reducing the amount of electricity produced to meet the demand during peak periods; similar storage systems can be used to store solar energy in order to use it later in the day when the sun is down. As another example, better understanding of melting and solidification in metallurgical processes could also reduce the amount of energy used by this industry.The main challenge of this research program has to do with understanding and modeling the heat transfer and phase change processes encountered in these systems, taking into account the multiple heat transfer modes involved. Most existing literature on the subject presents studies where only one heat transfer mode is considered, while the others are neglected. Our country, along with the rest of the world, will face an energy crisis in the decades to come; in that context, research in this area of thermal/energy engineering has the potential to lead to the development of new and vital energy and environmental technologies for Canada.