ORCID Number
0000-0003-3969-4778
Date of Award
Summer 2026
Embargo Period
7-23-2036
Access Type
Dissertation - Open Access
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair
Sandra K.S. Boetcher
Committee Chair Email
boetches@erau.edu
First Committee Member
Rafael M. Rodriguez
First Committee Member Email
rodri7d6@erau.edu
Second Committee Member
Mark Ricklick
Second Committee Member Email
ridlickm@erau.edu
Third Committee Member
Birce Dikici
Third Committee Member Email
dikicib@erau.edu
Fourth Committee Member
Yizhoy Jiang
Fourth Committee Member Email
jiangy5@erau.edu
College Dean
James W. Gregory
Abstract
Integrating latent heat thermal energy storage into additively manufactured components enables advanced thermal management through complex geometries. Vat photopolymerization provides exceptional dimensional accuracy; however, incorporating high loadings of phase change materials into photocurable resins is limited by leakage and increased resin viscosity. This dissertation presents the development, processing, and application of microencapsulated phase change material-photocurable resin composites for thermal energy storage components. The composites were developed to establish printability and thermal performance. Heated vat photopolymerization was investigated to reduce viscosity and improve the printability of highly loaded composites. Elevated-temperature printing reduced resin viscosity and improved dimensional fidelity while preserving latent heat storage capacity and thermal stability. The composites were then implemented in triply periodic minimal surface heat exchangers to evaluate thermal-hydraulic performance. Compared with conventional bulk phase change material backfilled architectures, embedding microencapsulated phase change material within the printed polymer walls simplified fabrication, reduced hydraulic losses, and maintained effective heat transfer while increasing latent heat storage. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of microencapsulated phase change material-photocurable resin composites for additively manufactured thermal energy storage systems.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Melendez, Isabel, "Advancing Additive Manufacturing of Thermal Energy Storage Through MEPCM Suspensions" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 1018.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/1018
Included in
Energy Systems Commons, Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons
