Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems with Solid–Liquid Phase Change Materials: A Review

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials Vol. 20; no. 6
• Main Authors: Zhang, Nan, Yuan, Yanping, Cao, Xiaoling, Du, Yanxia, Zhang, Zhaoli, Gui, Yewei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Encapsulation; Heat transfer enhancement; LHTES; Solid–liquid PCMs; Thermal management
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.201700753

This paper provides a review of the solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES). The commonly used solid–liquid PCMs and their thermal properties are summarized here firstly. Two major drawbacks that seriously limit the application of PCMs in an LHTES system, that is, low thermal conductivity and liquid leakage, are discussed. Various methods for enhancing the thermal conductivity and heat transfer of solid–liquid PCMs are explained. Previous studies regarding form‐stable composite PCMs and microencapsulated PCMs are also presented. Furthermore, applications of the solid–liquid PCMs used in LHTES and thermal management systems are introduced and analyzed. Finally, future outlooks and research topics are proposed. This paper provides a review of the solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage. The thermal properties and shortcomings of the PCMs are summed up firstly. Then, performance improvements of PCMs are discussed. And the applications used for thermal energy storage and thermal management are analyzed. Finally, the future research hotspots of PCMs are proposed.