Selection of phase change material under uncertainty for waste heat recovery in diesel engine generator

Due to growing environmental concerns and energy conservation needs, phase change material is an excellent choice for thermal energy storage . This study focuses on selecting a phase change material for thermal energy storage, particularly in waste heat recovery from diesel generator systems. The diesel generator system loses significant heat energy through exhaust gas . Adequate selection of phase change material is vital to optimizing storage systems’ thermal performance and energy efficiency. In order to evaluate the phase change materials, a multi-criteria decision-making framework using a fuzzy-based analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order of preference similar to ideal solution techniques (TOPSIS) were employed. It evaluates the ten phase change materials: Palmitic acid , CR+55A, Paraffin wax , Stearic acid , Myristic acid, Shellac wax, Palm wax, Lauric acid, RT65, and P116 wax. Ten critical parameters for phase change material selection include melting point, latent heat, thermal conductivity , specific heat capacity , density, thermal expansion, cost, availability, chemical stability, and thermal cycling performance. This work identifies a cost-effective, thermally efficient, and environmentally friendly phase change material for low-temperature ( 4 0 o C to 8 0 o C ) applications. The results indicate an appropriate alternative phase change material suitable for low-temperature energy storage applications . It advances previous phase change material selection efforts by offering a more comprehensive and precise decision-making framework. Using fuzzy-based TOPSIS and AHP techniques, Paraffin Wax is identified as the most suitable phase change material for waste heat recovery from diesel generator systems. • Ten PCMs with ten characterization has used to find the optimal PCM for waste heat recovery from diesel generator systems such as Palmitic acid( C 16 H 32 O 2 ), CR+55A, Paraffin wax, Stearic acid ( C 18 H 36 CO 2 ) , Myristic acid, Shellac wax ( C 30 H 50 O 11 ) , Palm wax, Lauric Acid ( C 12 H 24 O 2 ) , RT65, and P116 wax. • Presenting a fuzzy-based approach for TOPSIS and AHP MCDM methods through a fuzzy ranking function. • Analysis of the ranking of PCM for waste heat recovery storage through fuzzy-based TOPSIS and AHP mathematical results. • To select optimal PCM with minimal cost for waste heat energy recovery and storage system fuzzy ranking strategy plays a vital role. • Ten PCMs are evaluated to find the optimal PCM for the application in waste heat recovery based on ten thermal properties.