Strategies for phase change material application in latent heat thermal energy storage enhancement: Status and prospect

Abstract

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) has enormous potential to store thermal energy from a low-temperature heat source as well as from waste heat as latent heat. The amount of latent heat in PCM is much higher than sensible heat. Therefore, this significant latent heat supply can partially fulfil the energy demand for certain applications. PCMs can supply energy during the power crisis. PCMs are also helping to meet the basic need of life during natural calamities. The enhancement of the thermal properties of PCM can improve the use of PCM as a sustainable resource. In this study, the different processes of thermal property enhancement according to the application are reported and presented in a compiled form. The study reflects that using additives and encapsulation, a change in thermal conductivity, phase change temperature, and latent heat of solid-liquid phase change can be achieved. The changes in size and shape of the PCM container cavity are also reported. There is an improvement in thermal energy storage capacity with an increase in the heat transfer area of the cavity. The review reveals that the encapsulated PCM and PCM composite can give a better performance in latent heat thermal energy storage compared to complicated shaped energy storage devices. Therefore, this complied study will help to select the PCM or PCM composite and in design of LHTES for a specific application.