A review on phase change materials for different applications

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are preferred in thermal energy storage applications due to their excellent storage and discharge capacity through melting and solidifications. PCMs store energy as a Latent heat-base which can be used back whenever required. The liquefying rate (melting rate) is a significant parameter that decides the suitability of. PCMs in applications where there is a notable difference in temperature within the device for discontinuous warm storage capacities. A few studies have also been conducted to integrate PCMs in buildings as it upgrades building warm idleness, decreases maximum heat flux. This review paper summarizes some of the applications of PCMs. For future developments, some of the recommendations can be summarised as: in few of the listed applications, stability of the PCM needed to be explored since very few literature are available. The use of multiple phase change materials in a coupled or conjugate applications may also be further explored. In these applications, cost analysis and payback period of thermal storage systems empolyed with phase change materials also need exploration.