Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and numerical simulations have been used to determine some kinetics parameters of phase change materials (PCM). The heating rate affects the development of he DSC thermograms and also the apparent specific heat capacity of the PCM during the phase change process. PCM geometry has also a definitive influence on the DSC thermograms and on the apparent specific heat capacity but seems to have no effect on the latent heat energy calculations. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.