Review on thermal energy storage with phase change: materials, heat transfer analysis and applications

An introduction to heat transfer

This paper reviews the development of latent heat thermal energy storage systems studied detailing various phase change materials (PCMs) investigated over the last three decades, the heat transfer and enhancement techniques employed in PCMs to effectively charge and discharge latent heat energy and the formulation of the phase change problem. It also examines the geometry and configurations of PCM containers and a series of numerical and experimental tests undertaken to assess the effects of parameters such as the inlet temperature and the mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid (HTF). It is concluded that most of the phase change problems have been carried out at temperature ranges between 0 °C and 60 °C suitable for domestic heating applications. In terms of problem formulation, the common approach has been the use of enthalpy formulation. Heat transfer in the phase change problem was previously formulated using pure conduction approach but the problem has moved to a different level of complexity with added convection in the melt being accounted for. There is no standard method (such as British Standards or EU standards) developed to test for PCMs, making it difficult for comparison to be made to assess the suitability of PCMs to particular applications. A unified platform such as British Standards, EU standards needs to be developed to ensure same or similar procedure and analysis (performance curves) to allow comparison and knowledge gained from one test to be applied to another.

A review of materials, heat transfer and phase change problem formulation for latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LHTESS)

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

Prognostics and health management design for rotary machinery systems—Reviews, methodology and applications

Experimental evaluation of using various renewable energy sources for heating a greenhouse

Technoeconomic appraisal of a ground source heat pump system for a heating season in eastern Turkey

A techno-economic comparison of ground-coupled and air-coupled heat pump system for space cooling

Thermal performance of a solar-aided latent heat store used for space heating by heat pump

Geometric design of solar-aided latent heat store depending on various parameters and phase change materials

Mehmet Esen

Papers

Experimental evaluation of using various renewable energy sources for heating a greenhouse

Technoeconomic appraisal of a ground source heat pump system for a heating season in eastern Turkey

A techno-economic comparison of ground-coupled and air-coupled heat pump system for space cooling

Thermal performance of a solar-aided latent heat store used for space heating by heat pump

Geometric design of solar-aided latent heat store depending on various parameters and phase change materials