Corrosive effects of salt hydrate phase change materials used with aluminium and copper

A disadvantage of phase change materials (PCMs) as thermal energy storage media is corrosion when in direct contact with metal piping, plates or housings. The corrosion rates of aluminium alloys and copper used in heat exchangers in the air conditioning industry has been measured along with metallographic examinations following corrosion tests. Ways of preventing corrosion of copper and aluminium by these PCM materials are discussed.