Solid-liquid phase change energy storage for driving an underwater glider

Abstract

Phase change materials take/release thermal energy from/to the environment during liquid-solid phase change whereby energy is stored and released.Such a solid-liquid phase change process is capable of withstanding a high pressure.This provides an opportunity for driving underwater gliders working below hundreds of meters of sea surface.The thermal underwater gliders use ocean thermal energy,hence preventing the needs for carrying power sources.The paper explains the mechanism of phase change energy storage,and reviews research and development of phase change energy storage.The example for the phase change processes inside the tube proves the application on driving underwater glider.