WO2017165715A1

WO2017165715A1 - Thermal energy storage systems having phase change materials and organic nucleating agents and methods for making and using them

Info

Publication number: WO2017165715A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/023914
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aymara Melvina Margaret ALBURY; William Rusty Sutterlin
Original assignee: Entropy Solutions, LLC
Priority date: 2016-03-25
Filing date: 2017-03-23
Publication date: 2017-09-28

Abstract

Provided are Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems comprising Phase Change Material (PCMs) compositions for thermal management in different applications such as building, automotive, and industrial applications. Provided are TES systems comprising PCM compositions wherein a paraffin, an ether or a symmetrical ether or an amide, is included in the composition, and wherein the paraffin, an ether, a symmetrical ether or amide serves as a nucleating agent and imparts favorable properties to the PCM composition, such as e.g., reducing the probability of super-cooling and increasing the consistency and probability of solidification within a desired temperature range. Provided are products of manufacture, an electronic device, a medical device, a storage unit, a building, a container, a vehicle, a boat or an airplane, a weapon or weapons system, clothing or apparel, or a pharmaceutical or a drug or food package, comprising or incorporating therein a TES system as provided herein.

Description

THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS HAVING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS AND ORGANIC NUCLEATING AGENTS AND METHODS

FOR MAKING AND USING THEM

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Convention Treaty (PCT) International Application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/313,494, filed March 25, 2016. The aforementioned application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to thermoregulation, thermal protection and insulation, Phase Change Material (PCMs) and nucleating agents. In particular, in alternative embodiments, provided are Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems comprising Phase Change Material (PCMs) compositions for thermal management in different applications such as building, automotive, and industrial applications. In alternative embodiments, provided are TES systems comprising PCM compositions wherein a paraffin, an ether or a symmetrical ether or an amide, or a combination thereof, e.g., a small amount of a paraffin, an ether, a symmetrical ether or amide (relative to the total volume of PCM) is included in the composition, and wherein the paraffin, an ether, a symmetrical ether or amide serves as a nucleating agent and imparts favorable properties to the PCM composition, such as e.g., reducing the probability of super-cooling and increasing the consistency and probability of solidification within a desired temperature range.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a general desire in all industries to be energy efficient. There is also a general desire to reduce the use of fossil fuel resources due to concerns over climate change and energy security. Buildings, for example, require significant amounts of energy for heating and cooling and there is a need to reduce the costs associated with thermal management. Energy capture and storage from building and the controlled release of stored energy back into the building is increasingly viewed as a critical component to reducing overall energy demand in commercial and industrial applications. The thermal management of temperature sensitive payloads during transport can also require significant amounts of energy. In the automotive industry, there is a desire to increase efficiency and reduce the fuel usage associated with maintaining a comfortable temperature in the cabin of vehicles. One approach of decreasing the amount of energy needed for thermal management is the use of phase change materials. A "phase change material" (PCM) is a material that stores or releases a large amount of energy during a change in state, or "phase", e.g. crystallization (solidifying) or melting (liquefying) at a specific temperature. The amount of energy stored or released by a material during crystallization or melting, respectively, is the latent heat of that material. During such phase changes, the temperature of the material remains relatively constant. This is in contrast to the "sensible" heat, which does result in a temperature change of the material, but not a phase change.

PCMs are therefore "latent" thermal storage materials. A transfer of energy occurs when the material undergoes a phase change, e.g. from a liquid to a solid and thus helps to maintain the temperature of a system. When heat is supplied to the system in which the temperature is at the melting point of the PCM, energy will be stored by the PCM, resulting in a mediating effect on the temperature of the system. Similarly, when the temperature of the system decreases to the crystallization temperature of the PCM, the energy stored by the PCM will be released into the surrounding environment. The amount of energy stored or released by a material is a constant, and is that material's latent heat value. For example, water has a latent heat of 333 J/g. Therefore, a gram of water will release 333 J of energy to its surrounding environment during crystallization (freezing), at 0°C without changing temperature. Similarly, a gram of frozen water will absorb 333 J of energy from its surrounding environment during melting without an increase in temperature from 0°C.

There are two primary characteristics that must be considered for a specific application of a PCM: 1) the melting/crystallization temperature of the material, and 2) the latent heat value. A high latent heat value is the most desirable characteristic of a phase change material. A high latent heat value means that the material will be able to store or release large amounts of energy during a phase change, thus reducing the quantity of supplied energy needed to heat or cool a system. A latent heat value of 160 J/g or higher is considered acceptable for a PCM material in thermal storage applications. The melting/crystallization temperature is important because every thermal storage system has a unique optimal temperature range. These two factors together inform the potential applications for a specific PCM. For example, although water has a very high latent value (333 J/g), it would not be suitable for use as a PCM in building materials, as buildings are typically maintained at temperatures around 70°C, well above the melting/crystallization temperature of water.

The majority of commercially available PCMs are salt hydrates or paraffins. Both salt hydrates and paraffins have inherent disadvantages in commercial applications. Salt hydrates, while cheap to produce, have inconsistent melting points, and have a tendency to supercool (a process in which the temperature of a liquid material is lowered to below its freezing point without the material undergoing crystallization and becoming a solid). Salt hydrates are also known to undergo significant thermal expansion and can be highly toxic and corrosive. Paraffins make suitable PCMs in that they have favorable latent heat values and consistent melting points. However, the high latent heats of paraffin-based PCMs (in excess of 230 J/g) require compositions comprising high purities of paraffins, necessitating the use of expensive processing technology. Further, paraffins are limited in their potential range of phase change temperatures, leading to the use of mixed PCM compositions with reduced latent heat values.

A common problem among PCMs is super-cooling. Super-cooling occurs when a PCM fails to solidify at the freezing temperature of the composition. Failure of the PCM to undergo a phase change at the freezing temperature of the composition results in a reduction of the energy storage capacity of the TES. An inconsistency of solidification, or a complete failure to solidify at the freezing temperature of the PCM reduces the ability of the PCM to absorb heat during the melting/discharging phase of the TES cycle. One way super-cooling can be reduced is by the addition of a nucleating agent which provides a template surface on which the PCM material can form crystals.

It is therefore desirable to develop PCM compositions comprising products with favorable latent heat values and melting/freezing temperatures that are not comprised entirely of salt hydrates or paraffins, and that comprise a product that functions as nucleating agent, thereby reducing or eliminating the tendency of the PCM to super-cool and increasing the constancy of solidification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In alternative embodiments, provided are compositions or products of manufacture comprising an organic phase change material (PCM) and a nucleating agent, e.g., an organic nucleating agent, in an amount from between about 0.1 to 1.5, or between about 0.08 to 2.0, or from between about 0.05 to 2.5, or 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6. 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 or more weight percent of the composition, wherein said nucleating agent comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) a paraffin; (b) an ether, or a symmetrical ether; (c) an amide; and (d) a combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, the organic PCM comprises a fatty ester, a long-chain fatty ester, a fatty alcohol a fatty acid, or any combination thereof. In alternative embodiments, the paraffin organic nucleating agent comprises greater than about 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19 or 20 or more carbons, or between about 10 and 36 carbons in length, or 8 to 40 carbons, optionally as alkyl carbons.

In alternative embodiments, the amount of the nucleating agent in the organic PCM- comprising composition is less than about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, or optionally less than about 0.5% or 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5% or more of the total amount of the PCM-comprising composition; or, is about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, or optionally about 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5% or more of the total amount of the PCM-comprising composition.

In alternative embodiments, provided are thermal energy storage (TES) systems comprising a composition or product of manufacture as provided herein.

In alternative embodiments, provided are methods for thermo-regulating, thermal protecting or insulating a product of manufacture, an electronic device, a medical device, a storage unit, a building, a container, a vehicle, a boat or an airplane, a weapon or weapons system, clothing or apparel, or a pharmaceutical or a drug or food package, comprising or incorporating therein a composition as provided herein.

In alternative embodiments, provided are: products of manufacture, an electronic device, a medical device, a storage unit, a building, a container, a vehicle, a boat or an airplane, a weapon or weapons system, clothing or apparel, or a pharmaceutical or a drug or food package, comprising or incorporating therein a composition as provided herein.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

All publications, patents, patent applications cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty ester organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 2 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% paraffin nucleating agent. FIG. 3 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty alcohol organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 4 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty alcohol organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 5 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty ester organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 6 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 7 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty ester organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 8 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 9 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 1.0 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 10 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 1.5 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 11 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material) and 2.0 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 12 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 3.0 wt% paraffin nucleating agent.

FIG. 13 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty ester organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 14 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% amide nucleating agent. FIG. 15 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% amide nucleating agent.

FIG. 16 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty ester organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 17 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% amide nucleating agent.

FIG. 18 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% amide nucleating agent.

FIG. 19 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty ester organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 20 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% amide nucleating agent.

FIG. 21 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% amide nucleating agent.

FIG. 22 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a fatty alcohol an organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 23 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a fatty alcohol organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% ether nucleating agent.

FIG. 24 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a long- chain fatty acid organic phase change material (PCM) without a nucleating agent.

FIG. 25 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties of a phase change material-comprising composition comprising a long-chain fatty ester organic phase change material and 0.5 wt% ether nucleating agent.

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following detailed description is provided to give the reader a better understanding of certain details of aspects and embodiments of the invention, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides organic phase change material- comprising compositions comprising: an organic phase change material; and, an organic nucleating agent that acts to inhibit or to minimize supercooling of the phase change material, as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing of the PCM, wherein the amount of the nucleating agent in the composition is sufficient, e.g. sufficiently small, so as to not interfere with the latent heat and/or thermal storage properties of the phase change material, but is sufficient to inhibit or to minimize supercooling.

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is a long-chain paraffin, e.g., greater than 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19 or 20 or more carbons, e.g., as alkyl carbons, or between about 10 and 36 carbons in length, or 8 to 40 carbons.

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is an ether, e.g. a symmetrical ether having alkyl chain lengths, e.g., greater than 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more carbons, or having between about 10 to 36 carbons, or 8 to 40 carbons.

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is an amide.

In alternative embodiments, the addition of the nucleating agent increases the probability of freezing at the highest temperature at which "unseeded" (i.e. the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent) would freeze to about 90 to 100%.

In alternative embodiments, compositions provided herein avoid or ameliorate problems associated with using inorganic nucleating agents in phase change materials by using organic nucleating agents. Furthermore, these organic nucleating agents are fully miscible in the associated phase change material so as to avoid any separation issues or density variability issues. In alternative embodiments, organic phase change materials used to practice compositions and methods as provided herein may, for example and without limitation, be alkanes, petroleum derived or otherwise, fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives e.g. fatty esters or fatty alcohols.

In alternative embodiments, provided are thermal energy storage (TES) systems comprising a Phase Change Material (PCM) comprising composition comprising an organic phase change material and an organic nucleating agent, wherein the PCM is capable is of undergoing a solid-to-liquid and liquid to-solid phase change. In alternative embodiments, during the solid-to-liquid phase change, the PCM absorbs or "stores" latent heat from its surrounding environment. In alternative embodiments, during the liquid-to-solid phase change, the PCM releases the absorbed or "stored" energy into its surrounding environment. In alternative embodiments, provided are Phase Change Material (PCM)-comprising compositions for use in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. In alternative embodiments, the PCM-comprising composition comprises a primary component (i.e. the PCM), which undergoes a solid-to-liquid phase change as the temperature of the PCM increases beyond the melting point of the primary component of the PCM, and a liquid-to-solid phase change as the temperature of the primary component of the PCM decreases below the freezing point of the PCM. In alternative embodiments, the PCM-comprising compositions provided further comprise a secondary component comprising a nucleating agent, e.g., in the amount of between about 0.1% to about 10%, or between about 0.05% to about 20%, or between about 0.01% to about 30%), of the total volume of the PCM-comprising composition. In alternative embodiments, the secondary component functions as a nucleating agent for the primary component, thereby providing a template surface, or "seed" on which the primary component of the PCM composition crystallizes.

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent in the PCM-comprising composition is a long-chain paraffin comprising at least (or greater than) about e.g., 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19 or 20 or more carbons, e.g., as alkyl carbons, or between about 10 and 36 carbons in length, or 8 to 40 carbon atoms. In alternative embodiments, the nucleating agent (i.e. the secondary component of the PCM-comprising composition) is a long chain ^-paraffin (i.e. alkane), i.e. a paraffin comprising at least about e.g., 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19, 20, 21 or 22 or more carbons, e.g., about 22 or more carbons or between about 10 and 36 carbons in length. In alternative embodiments, the ^-paraffin is an unbranched ^-paraffin comprising between about 16 to 38 carbons or between about 10 and 36 carbons in length, including for example carbon atoms as shown in the formula below:

The long-chain paraffin nucleating agents are not limited to unbranched ^-paraffins and may be, for example, branched paraffins comprising one or more branches. In alternative embodiments, the paraffin nucleating agent can be a cyclic paraffin.

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent in the PCM-comprising composition is an ether, e.g. a long-chain alkyl ether. In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent in the PCM-comprising composition is a long-chain alkyl ether having alkyl chain lengths of between 10 to 36 carbons atoms as shown in the formula below:

n = 10 - 36, , or 10 to 40 m = 10 - 36, or 10 to

40

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent in the PCM-comprising composition is an amide, e.g. an alkyl amide. In alternative embodiments, the alkyl amide nucleating agent can be, for example, a primary amide, a secondary amide, a or a tertiary amide. In alternative embodiments, the nucleating agent is a primary, secondary, or tertiary amide having alkyl chain lengths of between 1 to 36, or between about 10 to 40, carbons. In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is an amide having any of the structures as shown in the formulas below:

n = 1 - 36, or 10 to 40; m = 1 - 36, or 10 to 40; p = 1 - 36, or 10 to 40; q = 1 - 36 or 10 to 40;, r = 1 - 36 or 10 to 40;

In alternative embodiments, a small ratio of organic nucleating agents to organic phase change material is used in a phase change material -comprising composition as provided herein. In alternative embodiments, the amount of the nucleating agent in the PCM-comprising composition is less than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, or alternatively, less than about 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5%, or alternatively, at least about 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5% or more of the total amount of the phase change material-comprising composition. In alternative embodiments, the amount of the organic nucleating agent in the PCM-comprising composition or the PCM is about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, or alternatively, about 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5% or more of the total amount of the phase change material-comprising composition. In alternative embodiments, the amount of nucleating agent is sufficient to reduce or eliminate the supercooling of the PCM-comprising composition without reducing the latent heat of the PCM-comprising mixture.

In alternative embodiments, the nucleating agent is miscible with PCM in the PCM- comprising composition. In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is a longer chain or higher melt point than its corresponding organic phase change material, but not too close in weight or concentration as to form a eutectic mixture having a different latent heat and melt point from the original phase change material (a eutectic system is a mixture of chemical compounds or elements that has a single chemical composition that solidifies at a lower temperature than any other composition made up of the same ingredients; this composition is known as the eutectic composition and the temperature at which it solidifies is known as the eutectic temperature). The blending of the organic phase change material and the corresponding nucleating agent can be accomplished by heating to above the melting point of both components either prior to or after they are mixed together.

The organic nucleating agent and/or the organic phase change material may be partially heated (below the melting point of both components) before adding, and then the heating to above the melting point of both components is accomplished after the blending, mixing or adding step. Once successfully blended then a favorable thermally induced phase separation upon cooling will create the desired seed crystals for nucleating the crystallization of the phase change material with little to no supercooling present.

In alternative embodiments, the organic nucleating agent and the PCM form a homogenous solution after being warmed, e.g., in an oven or other heating device or environment, where the heating device is set at a temperature higher than the melting point of the PCM, but lower than the melting point of the nucleating agent. After being removed from the oven, the nucleating agent begins to precipitate out of solution, e.g., over the course of about 60 minutes, and can remain suspended throughout the PCM. The cooling can take place at room temperature (RT). The rate of cooling/precipitation is dependent on the solubility of the nucleating agent in the PCM. This is varied from PCM to PCM and from one nucleating agent to the next. In some cases, where the solubility of the nucleating agent is high, the nucleating agent will remain in solution at room temperature and this phenomenon will not be observed.

If a paraffin is the organic nucleating agent, if it is added at a concentration of 3% or higher a stiff gel is formed (stiff means that a liquid PCM has been converted to a highly viscous gel that doesn't flow when inverted due to the intermolecular interactions that result from the addition of the nucleating agent). In the case of the paraffin, when more is added a more stable gel is formed, but not necessarily a stiffer one. More stable means that the PCM will remain in the gel state longer rather than returning to the liquid state. In some embodiments, the upper limit a paraffin nucleating agent that can be added to a PCM without altering its physical properties is about 1.5%.

In alternative embodiments, depending on the organic nucleating agent used, optimal performance is limited to approximately 1.5 %> loading of the nucleating agent. As more nucleating agent is added, a reduction in latent heat and melting point of the PCM may be observed.

The gel formation observation was made in the course of a study for confirming that there is an upper limit to the amount of paraffin nucleating agent that can be added to the PCM before the physical properties of the PCM are affected.

The benefit of the PCM consistency can be application dependent. This is because the consistency determines what method of filling can be used. The filling method is dependent on the containment option chosen for a given application.

In alternative embodiments, the addition of the nucleating agent provides for more consistent solidification of the PCM-comprising composition during the freezing (i.e. "charging") process. In alternative embodiments, the addition of the nucleating agent to the PCM-comprising composition increases the probability of the PCM freezing at the PCM's freezing temperature by between about 10-100%) relative to the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent. The probability that the primary component of the PCM-comprising composition will solidify once it reaches its freezing temperature.

In alternative embodiments, the addition of the nucleating agent to the PCM-comprising composition increases the composition's ability to store latent heat during melting depends on the PCM composition solidifying once it reaches its freezing temperature. If the PCM composition does not solidify due to super-cooling, the PCM composition's ability to store heat will be reduced or eliminated because a phase change may not occur once the temperature of the PCM composition is beyond its melting point.

In alternative embodiments, the amount of the nucleating in the PCM-comprising composition is less than the amount that would result in the PCM-comprising composition forming a gel in temperatures below the freezing point of the PCM in the composition. The addition of the nucleating agent in amounts sufficient to result in the formation of a gel composition were found to have a negative impact on the thermal performance of the PCM- comprising composition, e.g. reduced latent heat and changes in the melting/freezing temperature of the PCM, and is therefore not desirable. Alternative embodiments are further described or defined in the following Examples. It should be understood that these examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting in any manner. From the above discussion and these examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to embodiments described herein to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples 1-6 describe exemplary organic phase change-comprising compositions as provided herein that minimize supercooling of the phase change material. Exemplary phase change materials used in the following examples included: two distinct fatty esters, and a fatty alcohol. The same long chain paraffin was was used as the nucleating agent in all of the examples.

Examples 1-3 used a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scan rate of l°C/min to measure melting/freezing (crystallization) temperatures and associated latent heat values of different PCM-comprising compositions. In each example, a first DSC curve was generated using a PCM without any paraffin nucleating agent. Next, a quantity of the parrafin nucleating agent was added to the same PCM to generate a PCM-comprising composition comprising a PCM and a paraffin nucleating agent. A DSC curve was then generated using the PCM- comprising composition and the results were compared to the PCM without the nucleating agent.

Example 1 : Fatty ester PCM with 0.5 wt% long-chain paraffin nucleating agent

Fig. 1 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 100 of a fatty ester organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 101 was 18.52°C. The latent heat of crystallization 102 was 172.6 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 103 was 19.01°C. The latent heat of melting 104 was 162.1 J/g. The melting temperature 105 was 20.7FC.

Fig. 2 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 200 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 201 was 19.13°C. The onset of freezing temperature 202 was 19.80°C. The latent heat of crystallization 203 was 172.1 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 204 was 18.91°C. The latent heat of melting 205 was 160.6 J/g. The melting temperature 206 was 20.91°C. Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty ester PCM without the nucleating agent was 0.49°C (19.01°C - 18.52°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent was -0.89°C (18.91°C - 19.80°C). The nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 1.38°C (0.49°C - (-0.89°C)).

Example 2: Fatty alcohol PCM with 0.5 wt% long-chain paraffin nucleating agent

Fig. 3 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 300 of a fatty alcohol organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 301 was 20.39°C. The latent heat of crystallization 302 was 199.1 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 303 was 21.59°C. The latent heat of melting 304 was 183.0 J/g. The melting temperature 305 was 23.82°C.

Fig. 4 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 400 of the same fatty alcohol organic PCM with 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 401 was 21.62°C. The latent heat of crystallization 402 was 197.0 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 403 was 21.77°C. The latent heat of melting 404 was 179.7 J/g. The melting temperature 405 was 23.88°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty alcohol PCM without the nucleating agent was 1.20°C (21.59°C - 20.39°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty alcohol PCM and 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent was 0.15°C (21.77°C - 21.62°C). The nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty alcohol PCM by 1.05°C (1.2°C - 0.15°C).

Example 3 : Fatty ester PCM with 0.5 wt% long-chain paraffin nucleating agent

Fig. 5 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 500 of a fatty ester organic PCM (distinct from the fatty ester PCM used in Example 1) without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 501 was -0.96°C. The latent heat of crystallization 502 was 175.8 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 503 was 3.65°C. The latent heat of melting 504 was 172.8 J/g. The melting temperature 505 was 4.80°C. Fig. 6 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 600 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 601 was 2.98°C. The onset of freezing temperature 602 was 3.15°C. The latent heat of crystallization 603 was 192.3 J/g. The onset of melting 604 was 3.71°C. The latent heat of melting 605 was 185.5 J/g. The melting temperature 606 was 4.73°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty ester PCM without the nucleating agent was 4.61°C (3.65°C - (-0.96°C)). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent was 0.56°C (3.71°C - 3.15°C). The nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 4.05°C (4.61°C - 0.56°C).

Example 4: Fatty ester PCM with varying amounts of long-chain paraffin nucleating agent

Thermal properties of various PCM-comprising compositions comprising a fatty ester organic PCM and increasing wt% of a paraffin nucleating agent were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC curves were generated to measure melting and freezing temperatures and associated latent heat values. Increasing wt% of the paraffin nucleating agent were used in the compositions to determine the impact of increased wt% on melting and freezing temperatures, latent heat and supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures).

Fig. 7 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 700 of a fatty ester organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 701 was 18.52°C. The latent heat of crystallization 702 was 172.6 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 703 was 19. OrC. The latent heat of melting 704 was 162.1 J/g. The melting temperature 705 was 20.7FC.

Fig. 8 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 800 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 801 was 19.13°C. The onset of freezing temperature 802 was 19.80°C. The latent heat of crystallization 803 was 172.1 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 804 was 18.91°C. The latent heat of melting 805 was 160.6 J/g. The melting temperature 806 was 20.91°C.

Fig. 9 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 900 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 1.0 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 901 was 19.17°C. The onset of freezing temperature 902 was 19.86°C. The latent heat of crystallization 903 was 169.8 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 904 was 19.02°C. The latent heat of melting 905 was 159.1 J/g. The melting temperature 906 was 20.66°C.

Fig. 10 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1000 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 1.5 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1001 was 19.33°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1002 was 19.88°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1003 was 172.3 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1004 was 18.98°C. The latent heat of melting temperature 1005 was 160.0 J/g. The melting temperature 1006 was 20.78°C.

Fig. 11 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1100 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 2.0 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1101 was 19.16°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1102 was 19.88°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1103 was 169.5 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1104 was 19.21°C. The latent heat of melting 1105 was 160.7 J/g. The melting temperature 1106 was 20.84°C.

Fig. 12 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1200 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 3.0 wt% paraffin as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1201 was 19.30°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1202 was 19.84°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1203 was 172.9 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1204 was 19.21°C. The latent heat of melting 1205 was 161.0 J/g. The melting temperature 1206 was 20.66°C.

Table 1 summarizes the above results and shows the impact on increasing wt% of the paraffin nucleating agent in PCM-comprising compositions comprising a fatty ester PCM on supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the composition.

Table 1. Supercooling of a fatty ester PCM compositions with varying amounts of a long- chain paraffin nucleating agent

In Table 1, the addition of the paraffin completely eliminates the supercooling, hence negative values are obtained when the degree of supercooling is calculated as the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing. The overall effect of the nucleating agent is expressed as the reduction in supercooling. This data is conveyed this way for all the examples provided herein.

The following examples 7 to 9 describe exemplary organic phase change-comprising compositions as provided herein that minimize supercooling of the phase change material. Exemplary phase change materials used in the following examples included 3 distinct fatty esters. Various amides were used as the nucleating agent in all of the examples.

Example 7: Fatty ester PCM with 0.5 wt% of amide nucleating agents

Example 7 used a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scan rate of l°C/min to measure melting/freezing (crystallization) temperatures and associated latent heat values of different PCM-comprising compositions wherein the PCM was a fatty ester. First, a DSC curve was generated using a PCM without any amide nucleating agent. Next, a PCM-comprising composition comprising the fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of an amide a nucleating agent was generated. Next, a PCM-comprising composition comprising the fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of different aminde as a nucleating agent was generated. DSC curve was then generated for each of the PCM-comprising compositions (the composition comprising 0.5 wt% the amide and the composition comprising 0.5 wt% of the different amide) and the results were compared to the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent.

Fig. 13 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1300 of a fatty ester organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 1301 was 15.45°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1302 was 186.0 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1303 was 17.28°C. The latent heat of melting 1304 was 178.4 J/g. The melting temperature 1305 was 18.67°C.

Fig. 14 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1400 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of a first amide as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1401 was 15.76°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1402 was 15.79°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1503 was 188.6 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1404 was 16.91°C. The latent heat of melting 1405 was 179.9 J/g. The melting temperature 1406 was 18.49°C. Fig. 15 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1500 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of a second amide as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1501 was 15.11°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1502 was 15.30°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1503 was 176.9 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1504 was 17.05°C. The latent heat of melting 1505 was 168.7 J/g. The melting temperature 1506 was 18.79°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty ester PCM without the nucleating agent was 1.83°C (17.28°C - 15.45°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% of the first amide as a nucleating agent was 1.12°C (16.91°C - 15.79°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% of the second amide as a nucleating agent was 1.75°C (17.05°C - 15.30°C). The first amide nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 0.7FC (1.83°C - 1.12°C). The second amide nucleating agent reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 0.08°C (1.83°C - 1.75°C).

Example 8: Fatty ester PCM with 0.5 wt% of amide nucleating agents

Example 8 used a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scan rate of l°C/min to measure melting/freezing (crystallization) temperatures and associated latent heat values of different PCM-comprising compositions wherein the PCM was a fatty ester. The fatty ester used in Example 8 was a different fatty ester than the fatty ester of Example 7. First, a DSC curve was generated using a PCM without any amide nucleating agent. Next, a PCM- comprising composition comprising the fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of a first amide (the same as the first amide in Example 7) as a nucleating agent was generated. Next, a PCM-comprising composition comprising the fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of a second amide (the same as the second amide in Example 7) as a nucleating agent was generated. DSC curve was then generated for each of the PCM-comprising compositions (the composition comprising 0.5 wt% of the first amide and the composition comprising 0.5 wt% of the second amide) and the results were compared to the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent.

Fig. 16 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1600 of a fatty ester organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 1601 was 17.62°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1602 was 167.5 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1603 was 19.27°C. The latent heat of melting 1604 was 162.1 J/g. The melting temperature 1605 was 20.88°C.

Fig. 17 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1700 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of the first amide as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1701 was 19.39°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1702 was 19.59°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1703 was 168.6 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1704 was 19.37°C. The latent heat of melting 1705 was 160.6 J/g. The melting temperature 1706 was 20.78°C.

Fig. 18 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1800 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of the second amide as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 1801 was 19.19°C. The onset of freezing temperature 1802 was 19.61°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1803 was 169.0 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1804 was 19.31°C. The latent heat of melting 1805 was 159.1 J/g. The melting temperature 1806 was 20.94°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty ester PCM without the nucleating agent was 1.65°C (19.27°C - 17.62°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% of the first amide as a nucleating agent was - 0.02°C (19.37°C - 19.39°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% of the second amide as a nucleating agent was - 0.30°C (19.31°C - 19.61°C). The first amide nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 1.67°C (1.65°C - -(0.02°C)). The second amide nucleating agent reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 1.95°C (1.65°C - -(0.30°C).

Example 9: Fatty ester PCM with 0.5 wt% of amide nucleating agents

Example 9 used a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scan rate of l°C/min to measure melting/freezing (crystallization) temperatures and associated latent heat values of different PCM-comprising compositions wherein the PCM was a fatty ester. The fatty ester used in Example 9 was a different fatty ester than the fatty ester used in Example 7 and Example 8. First, a DSC curve was generated using a PCM without any amide nucleating agent. Next, a PCM-comprising composition comprising the fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of a first amide (the same as the first amide in Examples 7 and 8) as a nucleating agent was generated. Next, a PCM-comprising composition comprising the fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of a second amide (the same as the second amide in Examples 7 and 8) as a nucleating agent was generated. DSC curve was then generated for each of the PCM-comprising compositions (the composition comprising 0.5 wt% of the first amide and the composition comprising 0.5 wt% of the second amide) and the results were compared to the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent.

Fig. 19 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 1900 of a fatty ester organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 1901 was 35.05°C. The latent heat of crystallization 1902 was 213.5 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 1903 was 37.34°C. The latent heat of melting 1904 was 211.2 J/g. The melting temperature 1905 was 38.70°C.

Fig. 20 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 2000 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of the first amide as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 2001 was 35.99°C. The onset of freezing temperature 2002 was 36.32°C. The latent heat of crystallization 2003 was 199.5 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 2004 was 37.30°C. The latent heat of melting 2005 was 198.2 J/g. The melting temperature 2006 was 38.74°C.

Fig. 21 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 2100 of the same fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of the second amide as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 2101 was 36.28°C. The onset of freezing temperature 2102 was 36.47°C. The latent heat of crystallization 2103 was 205.3 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 2104 was 37.32°C. The latent heat of melting 2105 was 203.0 J/g. The melting temperature 2106 was 38.62°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty ester PCM without the nucleating agent was 2.29°C (37.34°C - 35.05°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% of the first amide as a nucleating agent was 0.98°C (37.30°C - 36.32°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty ester and 0.5 wt% of the second amide as a nucleating agent was 0.85°C (37.32°C - 36.47°C). The first amide nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by 1.31C (2.29°C - 0.98°C). The second amide nucleating agent reduced supercooling of the fatty ester PCM by \ A4°C (2.29°C - 0.85°C). Example 10: Fatty alcohol PCM with 0.5 wt% of an ether as a nucleating agent

Example 10 used a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scan rate of l°C/min to measure melting/freezing (crystallization) temperatures and associated latent heat values of different PCM-comprising compositions wherein the PCM was a fatty alcohol. First, a DSC curve was generated using a PCM without any nucleating agent. Next, a PCM-comprising composition comprising the fatty alcohol PCM and 0.5 wt% of an ether as a nucleating agent was generated. A DSC curve was then generated for the PCM-comprising composition (the composition comprising the fatty alcohol and 0.5 wt% of the ether) and the results were compared to the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent.

Fig. 22 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 2200 of a fatty alcohol organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 2201 was 20.39°C. The latent heat of crystallization 2202 was 199.1J/g. The onset of melting temperature 2203 was 21.59°C. The latent heat of melting 2204 was 183.0 J/g. The melting temperature 2205 was 23.82°C.

Fig. 23 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 2300 of the same fatty alcohol organic PCM with 0.5 wt% of the ether as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 2301 was 21.43°C. The onset of freezing temperature 2302 was 21.45°C. The latent heat of crystallization 2303 was 207.0 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 2304 was 21.52°C. The latent heat of melting 2305 was 189.4 J/g. The melting temperature 2306 was 23.64°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and onset of freezing temperatures) of the fatty alcohol PCM without the nucleating agent was 1.2°C (21.59°C - 20.39°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same fatty alcohol and 0.5 wt% of the ether ether as a nucleating agent was 0.07°C (21.52°C - 21.45°C). The ether nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty alcohol PCM by 1.13°C (1.2°C - 0.07°C).

Example 11 : Long-chain fatty ester PCM with 0.5 wt% of an ether as a nucleating agent

Example 11 used a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scan rate of l°C/min to measure melting/freezing (crystallization) temperatures and associated latent heat values of different PCM-comprising compositions wherein the PCM was a long-chain fatty ester. First, a DSC curve was generated using a PCM without any nucleating agent. Next, a PCM- comprising composition comprising the long-chain fatty ester PCM and 0.5 wt% of an ether as a nucleating agent was generated. A DSC curve was then generated for the PCM-comprising composition (the composition comprising the long-chain fatty alcohol and 0.5 wt% of the ether) and the results were compared to the PCM without the addition of the nucleating agent.

Fig. 24 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 2400 of a long-chain fatty ester organic PCM without a nucleating agent. The onset of freezing temperature 2401 was 2.53°C. The latent heat of crystallization 2402 was 169.1J/g. The onset of melting temperature 2403 was 6.85°C. The latent heat of melting 2404 was 156.5 J/g. The melting temperature 2405 was 8.74°C.

Fig. 25 graphically illustrates the heat flow versus temperature properties 2500 of the same long-chain fatty ester organic PCM with 0.5 wt% ether as a nucleating agent. The freezing temperature 2501 was 5.93°C. The onset of freezing temperature 2502 was 6.53°C. The latent heat of crystallization 2503 was 168.9 J/g. The onset of melting temperature 2504 was 6.83°C. The latent heat of melting 2405 was 158.1 J/g. The melting temperature 2506 was 8.63°C.

Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and onset of freezing temperatures) of the long-chain fatty ester PCM without the nucleating agent was 4.32°C (6.85°C - 2.53°C). Supercooling (as measured by the difference between the onset of melting and the onset of freezing temperatures) of the PCM-comprising composition comprising the same long-chain fatty ester and 0.5 wt% stearyl ether as a nucleating agent was 0.30°C (6.83°C - 6.53°C). The ether nucleating agent therefore reduced supercooling of the fatty alcohol PCM by 4.02°C (4.32°C - 0.30°C).

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure as provided herein, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition or a product of manufacture comprising an organic phase change material (PCM) and an organic nucleating agent in an amount from between about 0.1 to 1.5, or between about 0.08 to 2.0, or 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 , 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6. 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2.0, weight percent of the composition, wherein said organic nucleating agent comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a paraffin;

(b) an ether, or a symmetrical ether;

(c) an amide; and

(d) a combination thereof.

2. The composition or product of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the organic PCM comprises a fatty ester, a long-chain fatty ester, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid, or any combination thereof.

3. The composition or product of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the paraffin comprises greater than about 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19 or 20 or more carbons, or between about 10 and 36 carbons in length, or 8 to 40 carbons, optionally as alkyl carbons.

4. The composition or product of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the amount of the nucleating agent in the organic PCM-comprising composition is less than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, or optionally less than about 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5% or more of the total amount of the PCM-comprising composition; or, is about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, or optionally about 1%, or at about 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4% or 1.5% or more of the total amount of the PCM-comprising composition.

5. The composition or product of manufacture of claim 1, further comprising an inorganic nucleating agent.

6. A thermal energy storage (TES) system comprising a composition or product of manufacture of any of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for thermo-regulating, thermal protecting or insulating a product of manufacture, an electronic device, a medical device, a storage unit, a building, a container, a vehicle, a boat or an airplane, a weapon or weapons system, clothing or apparel, or a pharmaceutical or a drug or food package, comprising or incorporating therein a composition or product of manufacture of any of claims 1 to 5.

8. A product of manufacture, an electronic device, a medical device, a storage unit, a building, a container, a vehicle, a boat or an airplane, a weapon or weapons system, clothing or apparel, or a pharmaceutical or a drug or food package, comprising or incorporating therein a composition of any of claims 1 to 5, or the TES system of claim 6.