Foundation course on Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

One-day foundation course designed to balance theory and hands-on practical experiments on Phase Change Materials

Foundation course on Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

Introduction

The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) invites applications for an action-packed day of discovery and innovation — learn how Phase Change Materials are transforming energy storage, cooling, and sustainability in the real world! 

This one-day foundation course outline on Phase Change Materials (PCMs), designed to balance theory and hands-on practical experiments.

Course Type
1 Day Workshop
Delivery Method
In-Person
General enquiries
[email protected]
Course Leader
Basile Seburikoko

Programme Dates

Course Fees

Attendance is currently FREE for all course dates.
16th July 2025
ACES Rubirizi Campus, Kigali, Rwanda
Applications closed 17th June 2025

Course Description

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the science behind phase change and thermal energy storage. They will learn to identify suitable phase change materials (PCMs) for specific applications, analyze experimental results related to PCM thermal performance, and design basic thermal storage systems incorporating PCMs.

Who Should Apply?

This course is ideal for individuals working with or responsible for refrigeration systems and HVAC technicians, including:

  • Cold room and commercial refrigeration operators
  • Refrigeration facility managers
  • Refrigeration project engineers and system designers
  • Environmental officers and sustainability consultants
  • Technical trainers and vocational educators
  • Entrepreneurs in cold chain and climate technology sectors
  • Energy engineering students and professionals.
Syllabus Outline

The Foundation course on Phase Change Materials will cover the following key topics:

Fundamentals of PCMs

  • Overview of PCMs
  • Thermodynamics of PCMs
  • Types of PCMs

PCM Selection and Properties

  • Explore Temperature range, stability, compatibility, cost, and safety

Applications of PCMs

  • Hands-on: PCM Melting & Freezing Curve

PCM Design Integration

  • Hands-on: Cold Box Experiment

Group Design Challenge & Evaluation

 

How To Apply

Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:

  • A cover letter addressed to the Academic Head, ACES, stating your motivation for attending the training
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Short responses (maximum 100 words each) to the following questions:
    1. What experience do you have with cold storage or storing chilled foods.
    2. What do you hope to better understand through this course?
    3. Do you have any dietary requirements or mobility restrictions that you want us to be aware of? (This will be treated confidentially to support your attendance.)

 

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line:
“1-Day foundation course on Phase Change Materials – [Your Name]"

Join us in Unlocking the power of thermal energy with Phase Change Materials — where science meets sustainable cooling!