The continuous increase in the level of greenhouse gas emissions and the climb in fuel prices are the main driving forces behind efforts to more effectively utilise various sources of renewable energy. In many parts of the world, direct solar radiation is considered to be one of the most prospective sources of energy. However, the large-scale utilisation of this form of energy is possible only if the effective technology for its storage can be developed with acceptable capital and running costs. One of prospective techniques of storing solar energy is the application of phase change materials (PCMs). Unfortunately, prior to the large-scale practical application of this technology, it is necessary to resolve numerous problems at the research and development stage. This paper looks at the current state of research in this particular field, with the main focus being on the assessment of the thermal properties of various PCMs, methods of heat transfer enhancement and design configurations of heat storage facilities to be used as a part of solar passive and active space heating systems, greenhouses and solar cooking.

Solar energy storage using phase change materials

The literature on open-framework materials has shown numerous examples of porous solids with additional structural, chemical, or physical properties. These materials show promise for applications ranging from sensing, catalysis and separation to multifunctional materials. This critical review provides an up-to-date survey to this new generation of multifunctional open-framework solids. For this, a detailed revision of the different examples so far reported will be presented, classified into five different sections: magnetic, chiral, conducting, optical, and labile open-frameworks for sensing applications. (413 references.)

Old materials with new tricks: multifunctional open-framework materials.

Biomass pyrolysis kinetics: A comparative critical review with relevant agricultural residue case studies

Fatty acids as phase change materials have attracted much attention for their various applications in building energy efficiency, solar heating systems and air-conditioning systems. After summarizing the basic characteristics of fatty acids, eutectic mixtures of fatty acids and fatty acid esters, as well as the preparation and characteristics of fatty acid composites as phase change materials (PCMs), this paper analyzes the thermal reliability and stability of fatty acids as PCMs and their heat transfer characteristics in a unit which is followed by an introduction to the energy storage systems of three kinds of fatty acids as PCMs. Besides, it also points out the future research direction of fatty acids as PCMs as a solution of the insufficiency and flaws of current researches.

Fatty acids as phase change materials: A review

Organic phase change materials and their textile applications: An overview

Measurements of temperature and melting heat of some pure fatty acids and their binary and ternary mixtures by differential scanning calorimetry

Model-free kinetics applied to sugarcane bagasse combustion

Intercalation of n-alkylamines by lamellar materials of the α-zirconium phosphate type

The simultaneous intercalation of two or more n-alkylamines into α-titanium phosphate, Ti(HPO4)2·H2O, has been investigated. The intercalation of large n-alkylamine molecules has been observed to b...

Synthesis of new n-alkylamines intercalation compounds with α-titanium phosphate. process selectivity and structural and morphological characterization

Aránzazu Espina

Papers

Measurements of temperature and melting heat of some pure fatty acids and their binary and ternary mixtures by differential scanning calorimetry

Model-free kinetics applied to sugarcane bagasse combustion

Intercalation of n-alkylamines by lamellar materials of the α-zirconium phosphate type

Synthesis of new n-alkylamines intercalation compounds with α-titanium phosphate. process selectivity and structural and morphological characterization

Calorimetric determination of the effect of ammonium-iron(II) phosphate monohydrate on Rhodic Eutrudox Brazilian soil