Eutectics, also referred to as phase change materials, are widely used in cold chain logistics
to provide the required temperature for point-to-point transportation of consignments.
In a nutshell, PCMs work on latent heat and absorb heat when changing from one phase to
another i.e., from solid to liquid. Depending on the kind of consignment that is to be
transported, and the temperature it requires, the PCM is charged in a cold storage room for
up to 5 hours, to reach the desired temperature.
This is usually then transported to compressors within a reefer truck, or placed in cold storage
boxes with the consignment. With PCMs, you can work with temperatures from 2 to 8
degrees Celsius or -15 to -25 degrees Celsius and below.
PCMs are considered to have multiple benefits apart from being extremely efficient. Let’s take
a look at some of them below-
– Using a PCM based technology is cost effective as it is engine independent. This
means that you will not require large amounts of fuel to keep the temperature at the
required level or require large amounts of fuel to lower temperatures when stopping
the vehicle.
– PCM systems are renewable. When using them, you cut down on GHG emissions,
food waste and promote sustainability.
– A PCM has the ability to store large amounts of energy compared to other options,
owing to the change in phase at a given temperature.
– Using a PCM would mean that you do not have to rely on fuel or the engine.
– PCM systems help maintain temperatures up to four days in Indian ambient conditions.
– A much safer alternative to dry ice, as dry ice can release CO2 on sublimation and can
lead to cold burns on direct contact.
– Reduction in maintenance costs.
Using a PCM based system ensures temperature-controlled storage up to 48 hours. This is
greatly beneficial for the pharmaceutical industry with regards to biologics or Vaccine storage
and distribution as they require temperatures close to -60 degree Celsius. Using alternatives
such as dry ice could be an option, but not when the risks are assessed. A PCM based
solution will provide all the necessary temperature requirements with minimum to zero risk
factors and 100% efficiency.
Compared to the generic heat exchangers, at Tessol, ours are liquid filled and made with a
stainless-steel refrigerant coil which promotes rapid freezing. It also has stainless steel
encapsulations with surface corrugations. More so, they are inorganic in nature, nonflammable and non-toxic.
To add to this, TESSOL has several years of research on freezing and melting patterns of
Phase change materials. It has developed its series of heat exchangers and chargers have
some significant differentiators:
Lower charging time through a specialized internal circuit design offering a large range of
discharge rates and temperature applications
High powered chargers developed for use in high ambient and harsh conditions
Our PCM heat exchangers are characterized in detail and encoded in a software. This gives
TESSOL the capability to replicate virtually any internal temperature requirement across all
application ranges.
At Tessol, we provide you with PCM based solutions as well as provide you with the PCM
itself, for you to use for your solutions. We do believe that for a more sustainable and better
future, we need to be in this together and make the change today.
