Essentials course on Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
This essential course is designed to balance theory and hands-on practical experiments on Phase Change Materials
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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 essentials course outline on Phase Change Materials (PCMs) is designed to balance theory and hands-on practical experiments. It will require half a day, each day for four days. Therefore, in total, you will complete 2 full days of training.
Hybrid - Onsite & online
Hybrid
[email protected]
Jean de Dieu Iyakaremye
Programme Dates
Course Fees
1st December - 12th December 2025
ACES Rubirizi Campus , Kigali, Rwanda
- Apply by email to [email protected] before 20th October 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by November 3rd, 2025
Applicants will be shortlisted and notified of their place in either group.
17th November - 28th November 2025
ACES Rubirizi Campus , Kigali, Rwanda
- Apply by email to [email protected] before 20th October 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by November 3rd, 2025
Applicants will be shortlisted and notified of their place in either group.
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 PCMs 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 Essential course on Phase Change Materials will cover the following key topics:
Fundamentals of PCMs
- Overview of PCMs
- Thermodynamics of PCMs
- Types of PCMs
PCMs Selection and Properties
- Explore Temperature range, stability, compatibility, cost, and safety
Applications of PCMs
- Hands-on: PCMs Melting & Freezing Curve
PCMs Design Integration
- Hands-on: Cold Box Experiment
Group Design Challenge & Evaluation
*This course will be organised as 4 half-days run over a period of 2 weeks.
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:
- What experience do you have with cold storage or storing chilled foods.
- What do you hope to better understand through this course?
- 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.)
- Your availability for either group 1, group 2, or both, at the starting time.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line:
“Essentials 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!