The Emergence of Phase Change Material in Solar Thermal Energy: A Scientometric Review

Abstract

Phase change material (PCM) features an attractive option due to its solar thermal storage capability to assist the cooling/heating process especially during night operation, thus contributing to the reduction of energy cost and carbon footprint. This study aims to analyse the emergence of PCM in the application of solar thermal energy. Subsequently, to envisage Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and commercialisation opportunity based on historical and contemporary research trends. This review encompasses of peer-reviewed literatures from Scopus database for one decade between 2010 and 2019. Based on the review, there is a moderate growth on the research related to PCM-solar thermal at 22% of emergence rate from the past one decade. China has dominated in this research development by concurring approximately 22% from the number of research articles published globally. It can be concluded that the application of PCM in solar thermal energy system is at TRL 5 which reflects research and development (R&D) progress is at intermediate prototypical development based on the trend of academic publication. Furthermore, based on the review, PCM features great potential in commercialisation opportunity due to its vital contribution as a frontier material/substance in overcoming the challenges of energy and environmental insecurity.