High school exploration of a phase change material as a thermal energy storage

Abstract

The present study describes a hands-on experiment to help students understand the concept of phase change or phase transition and its application in a phase change material (PCM). PCMs are substances that have the capability of storing and releasing large amounts of thermal energy. They act as energy storage materials that provide an effective way to save energy by reducing the electricity required for heating and cooling. Lauric acid (LA) was selected as an example of the PCM. Students investigated the temperature change of LA and the temperature (of air) inside the test tube. The differences in the temperatures of the systems helped students understand how PCMs work. A one-group pretest and posttest design was implemented with 34 grade-11 students in science and mathematics. Students' understanding was assessed using a multiple-choice test and a questionnaire. The findings revealed that the designed activity helped students understand the concept of phase change and its application to materials for thermal energy storage.