About phase change energy storage materials

Are phase change materials suitable for thermal energy storage?

Phase change materials (PCMs) having a large latent heat during solid-liquid phase transition are promising for thermal energy storage applications. However, the relatively low thermal conductivity of the majority of promising PCMs (<10 W/ (m ⋅ K)) limits the power density and overall storage efficiency.

What are phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage applications?

Fig. 1. Bibliometric analysis of (a) journal publications and (b) the patents, related to PCMs for thermal energy storage applications. The materials used for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) are called Phase Change Materials (PCMs) .

How much research has been done on phase change materials?

A thorough literature survey on the phase change materials for TES using Web of Science led to more than 4300 research publications on the fundamental science/chemistry of the materials, components, systems, applications, developments and so on, during the past 25 years.

What are the selection criteria for thermal energy storage applications?

In particular, the melting point, thermal energy storage density and thermal conductivity of the organic, inorganic and eutectic phase change materials are the major selection criteria for various thermal energy storage applications with a wider operating temperature range.

Can PCM be used in thermal energy storage?

We also identify future research opportunities for PCM in thermal energy storage. Solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) have been studied for decades, with application to thermal management and energy storage due to the large latent heat with a relatively low temperature or volume change.

What materials are used for latent heat thermal energy storage (lhtes)?

The materials used for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) are called Phase Change Materials (PCMs) . PCMs are a group of materials that have an intrinsic capability of absorbing and releasing heat during phase transition cycles, which results in the charging and discharging .