PCM Properties

Phase Change Materials (PCM) are compounds that melt and solidify at certain temperatures and by doing so are capable of releasing large amounts of energy.

Typically, the phase used for PCMs is solid to liquid and perform like conventional storage materials, its temperature rising as it absorbs heat. Unlike conventional storage materials, when phase change materials reach its melting point, or change phase point, it absorbs large amounts of heat without a significant rise in temperature.  As the ambient temperature declines around the liquid, PCMs will solidify and release its latent heat.  

Thus, at room temperature phase change materials are solid. As the temperature of the room rises, PCMs will liquefy, absorb, and store heat, which in turn cools the surrounding area.  When the temperature drops, phase change materials will solidify and give off heat, which will warm the surrounding area. These properties make phase change materials ideal for use in thermal energy storage, space applications, laptop computer cooling, conditioning of buildings, heat pump systems, and telecom shelters.