Abstract
Thermal energy storage materials (TES) are considered promising for a large number of applications, including solar energy storage, waste heat recovery, and enhanced building thermal performance. Among these, nanoemulsions have received a huge amount of attention. Despite the many reviews published on nanoemulsions, an insufficient number concentrate on the particularities and requirements of the energy field. Therefore, we aim to provide a review of the measurement, theoretical computation and impact of the physical properties of nanoemulsions, with an integrated perspective on the design of thermal energy storage equipment. Properties such as density, which is integral to the calculation of the volume required for storage; viscosity, which is a decisive factor in pressure loss and for transport equipment power requirements; and thermal conductivity, which determines the heating/cooling rate of the system or the specific heat directly influencing the storage capacity, are thoroughly discussed. A comparative, critical approach to all these interconnected properties in pertinent characteristic groups, in close association with the practical use of TES systems, is included. This work aims to highlight unresolved issues from previous investigations as well as to provide a summary of the numerical simulation and/or application of advanced algorithms for the modeling, optimization, and streamlining of TES systems.
Highlights
With the increased energy demands of modern society, scientists have had to orient their efforts towards more efficient ways to store energy and to re-use it
Thermal energy storage materials designed for sensible heat storage, especially at high temperatures, have to fulfill a number of requirements related to their physical properties; for example, they must have a high density, low vapor pressure, high values of specific heat and thermal conductivity, high chemical stability and compatibility with the container materials, low toxicity, high availability, and lack of fire or explosion hazards
It is clear that the Maxwell equation can be used when nanodroplets are not prone to strong deformations, particle–fluid interactions, Brownian motion, and other possible effects, which depend on the diameter, concentration, temperature of dispersed phase droplets
Summary
With the increased energy demands of modern society, scientists have had to orient their efforts towards more efficient ways to store energy and to re-use it. These systems offer new research opportunities—on the one hand, due to the much-needed technologies for further improving their physical properties, and on the other hand, due to the necessity of designing new materials with features that are increasingly adapted to specific requirements. Their integration within a functional system, followed by their optimization and rigorous control, is another outstanding step in the development of TES. Establishing possible gaps or missing links in property measurement and interpretation at the nanoscale level that at the macroscale level, have a major impact on system design and control
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
