Design and Development of a Thermal Cycle Testing Rig for Encapsulated Low-Temperature PCMs in Submerged Conditions

This project focused on the design and development of an experimental rig for evaluating the thermal response of low-temperature phase change materials (PCMs) encapsulated in steel. The primary objective was to measure the time for the PCM to reach the intended temperature and estimate liquefaction.

The rig design involved the integration of a custom-made closed-loop thermal circuit, consisting of both digital and analog temperature sensors, and robust data logging via serial communication. The project addressed both hardware and instrumentation aspects, with the aim of enabling reliable characterisation of PCM behaviour for applications such as thermal energy storage in small-scale installations. The resulting setup provides a foundational platform for further studies into PCM performance and thermal regulation under real-world constraints.