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.
In the phase transformation of the PCM, the solid–liquid phase change of material is of interest in thermal energy storage applications due to the high energy storage density and capacity to store energy as latent heat at constant or near constant temperature.
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.
While numerous studies have investigated the progress of phase change materials used in solar energy applications such as photovoltaic systems, it is vital to understand the conceptual knowledge of employing phase change materials in various types of solar thermal energy systems.
Preparation, thermal characterization and examination of phase change materials (PCMs) enhanced by carbon-based nanoparticles for solar thermal energy storage J Energy Storage, 25 ( 2019), p. 100874, 10.1016/j.est.2019.100874
Energy can be stored at relatively high efficiencies in the form of thermal energy. Thermal energy storage (TES) increases plant capacity factors and improves dispatchability. Reducing the capital cost of TES technologies will also result in a reduced cost of energy and ultimately serve as an enabler for commercial solar power plants .