ClimSel is a salt hydrate PCM made of non-hazardous ingredients and free from paraffins. We can compare ClimSel with a battery. The difference is that a battery stores electricity while ClimSel stores energy. This energy storage exists thanks to of the phase change properties of ClimSel and PCM.
Nature’s most common PCM – phase change material – is water which, as we know, goes from solid to liquid, i.e., makes a phase change at around 0°C. The characteristic aspect of this phase change is that it is highly energy-intensive. The energy provided is primarily used to change the material’s phase (from solid to liquid or vice versa), and not to change its temperature during the phase change, thereby providing a virtually constant temperature.
ClimSel is a far more environmentally friendly, modern and cost-effective alternative compared to conventional chilled transports on the market. With its multiple number of charging cycles, ClimSel has multiple life cycles, which makes our solution very sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Rising energy prices and increased environmental awareness argues in favour of ClimSel as the solution of the future.
The illustration shows how the material is affected during the phase change from the solid to liquid state. When the material is in a solid state, there is an increase in temperature as energy is provided. In contrast, when the material enters the phase change zone, the energy provided is used for the phase change, i.e., the gradual transition from solid to liquid form. During this phase, there is no increase in the temperature of the material. Once the phase change has been completed and the material is completely liquid, the energy provided results in the temperature of the material starting to rise again.
By making use of the properties of the phase change, ClimSel can actually move energy in time and create a temperature range at the required temperature level. The phase change takes place at different energy levels for different ClimSel products – from approximately – 21°C/-5.8°F to + 70°C / 158°F. The choice of specific ClimSel product can, therefore, be based on the temperature levels that apply for each application.
Each ClimSel product has a unique phase change process and specific thermodynamic properties that make them suitable for customer applications in different temperature ranges. The products’ unique phase change characteristics are illustrated by the graphs on each product sheet.
Here we explain the phase change process, using ClimSel C7 as an example. The red line indicates the so-called melting curve where the ambient heat load is greater than the required temperature. The blue line indicates the so-called freezing curve where the ambient heat load is lower than the required temperature.
For shipments where the ambient temperature in the cargo space is higher than the required temperature, ClimSel C7 is charged at a temperature below 3°C/37°F. The cargo is then placed in a transport box with ClimSel and the transport begins.
ClimSel C7 is now in a frozen (solid) state and the ClimSel's unique characteristics become evident. That is, the warm ambient temperature does not result in the PCM significantly increasing in temperature. Instead, the energy is consumed by the phase change and the melting process begins. Thus, the climate in the transport box is maintained within the pre-determined range and there is no significant increase in temperature.
Only when the PCM has completely melted – and the phase change completed – does the temperature start to rise.
For shipments where the cargo must be protected from the cold, the reverse takes place. ClimSel C7 is charged at a temperature exceeding 9°C/48°F. The freight is then placed in a transport box with ClimSel and the transport begins.
ClimSel C7 is now in a liquid state. The cold ambient temperature causes the freezing process to begin. Instead, the energy is consumed by the phase change and the melting process begins. Thus, the climate in the transport box is maintained, within the pre-determined range and there is no significant reduction in temperature.
Only when the PCM has completely solidified does the temperature begin to fall. The phase change graph presented on each product sheet shows both the freezing and melting curves, as well as the typical range for temperature stabilisation. For the ClimSel C7 example, this is 2-8°C/35–46°F.
Climator Sweden AB was founded in 1979, with the focus on energy storing PCM materials. At the same time, we also launched ClimSel, our own brand of high-quality PCM material with excellent energy storage properties. Since then, we have successfully developed, produced and marketed ClimSel on the global market.
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