Abstract: The thermophysical properties and heat transfer characteristics of phase change materials are of great significance for the application of energy storage devices. The composite phase change materials were prepared from paraffin and carbon fiber powder. The thermophysical properties of the composite phase change materials were characterized by scientific instruments. The results show that the addition of carbon fiber can increase the thermal conductivity of the phase change materials and reduce the melting temperature and latent heat. The experiment of melting heat transfer characteristics was completed in the self-built experimental system. The experiment confirmed that the increase of carbon fiber content will accelerate the overall melting speed of composite phase change materials, but the overall melting trend remains unchanged. In the process of upward diffusion in the liquid region, the melting rate is faster in the early stage, and slows down after the solid-liquid interface tends to be horizontal.

Key words: phase change materials, melting heat transfer, paraffin wax, carbon fiber