Latent heat – Latent heat is measured in joules per gram. Preferred latent heats are greater than 150 J/g and preferably greater than 180 J/g. A high latent heat of fusion means
that a lesser amount of material is needed to store a given amount of energy.
Sharpness of latent heat release and absorption – To a first approximation, the release and absorption of latent heat over a narrow temperature range is an important performance criterion. However, for some applications, broad heat release rates of up to 10C or even 30C will not adversely affect performance in a properly engineered consumer device.
Stability to cycling and aging – Over the course of hundreds or thousands of
freezes and melts, the phase change transition temperature and latent heat energies should remain consistent. Changes in the hydration sphere of some PCM molecules over time can affect the melt and freeze points and their respective latent heats. This is the primary reason that one of the most used stability tests for PCMs is the thermal cycle test that involves multiple melt and freeze cycles.
Non-corrosive to encapsulation – Encapsulation of the PCMs involves a PCM core and an outer shell to prevent leakage, degradation and contamination. Careful consideration must be given to the compatibility of the individual PCM with the plastic or metal chosen for the application. Plastic tends to be the least expensive container for PCM chemicals. However, containers with thick plastic walls suffer from low thermal conductivity. Various metals can be used for PCM encapsulation to increase thermal conductivity. However, metals tend to be more costly and can corrode with some PCMs.
Cost effective – The useful heat in joules per gram of phase change material is a primary performance criterion for PCM chemicals. On a cost basis, a minimum in dollars per joule of useful heat is desired.
Safe to use – The PCM should be nontoxic, nonflammable and environmentally friendly.
Temperature – Applications are typically temperature-specific. Often the temperature desired is within 1 or 2 degrees. Therefore, 200 different PCMs would be needed to target each degree in a temperature range of -50°C to 150°C.
End of life cycle - At the end of the life of a PCM application the PCM should be able to be land-filled and degrade naturally within 6-12 months.