Temperature of a metallic nanoparticle embedded in a phase change media exposed to radiation

Abstract Over the past few years, researchers have introduced nanoparticles of varying sizes within a phase change material which enhances the thermal energy and the efficiency of the thermal capacity. A numerical analysis of a metallic nanoparticle embedded in a phase change material exposed to radiation is presented. This analysis includes plasmonic properties of metals when exposed to solar frequencies. Simulations of the model are initiated with a single metallic nanoparticle in a solid medium. When the particle temperature exceeds the phase change temperature an insulating liquid film forms around the particle. The temperature profiles of the solid medium, liquid film, and particle of different materials and particle diameters submerged in different mediums are presented. A thermal interface resistance between the particle and liquid film is included. It is shown that the larger particle heats faster, developing a smaller surrounding film and may eventually have a temperature that surpasses the melting temperature of the material. A compromise must be made between the thermal resistance caused by the particle/film interface and film as well as the absorption from radiation to determine the proper particle type, size, and medium for thermal storage.