A review of performance enhancement of PCM based latent heat storage system within the context of materials, thermal stability and compatibility

Latent heat energy storage system is one of the promising solutions for efficient way of storing excess thermal energy during low consumption periods. One of the challenges for latent heat storage systems is the proper selection of the phase change materials (PCMs) for the targeted applications. As compared to organic PCMs, inorganic PCMs have some drawbacks, such as corrosion potential and phase separation; however, there are available techniques to overcome or minimize these drawbacks. On the other hand, inorganic PCMs are found to have higher thermal conductivity and storage capacity over organic PCMs. As a result inorganic PCMs have a great potential in thermal energy storage field, especially in medium to high temperature applications where organic PCMs are not a viable option. In this study, a detailed review of research outcomes and recent technological advancements in the field of inorganic phase change materials is presented while focusing on providing solutions to the associated disadvantages of this class of PCMs. Long term stability, thermal cycling performance, and heat transfer enhancements are also discussed in the context of this review.

A review on current status and challenges of inorganic phase change materials for thermal energy storage systems

This paper presents a state-of-the-art review on various techniques of heat transfer enhancement in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems. Heat transfer enhancement in LHTES systems can be achieved through either geometric configuration and/or thermal conductivity enhancement. The use of extended surfaces such as fins or heat pipes is a common technique for heat transfer enhancement in LHTES systems and therefore, reviewed in details in this paper. Next, we studied the thermal conductivity enhancement techniques, which include the use of porous materials, nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity, and low-density materials. Finally, studies involving combined techniques for heat transfer enhancement are reviewed in the paper. The paper discusses research gaps in the methods of heat transfer enhancement for LHTES systems and proposed some recommendations.

Heat transfer enhancement of phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications: A critical review

https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/14401/3/FullText.pdf

Heat pipe based systems - Advances and applications

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) uses phase change materials (PCMs) to store and release heat, and can effectively address the mismatch between energy supply and demand. However, it suffers from low thermal conductivity and the leakage problem. One of the solutions is integrating porous supports and PCMs to fabricate shape-stabilized phase change materials (ss-PCMs). The phase change heat transfer in porous ss-PCMs is of fundamental importance for determining thermal-fluidic behaviours and evaluating LHTES system performance. This paper reviews the recent experimental and numerical investigations on phase change heat transfer in porous ss-PCMs. Materials, methods, apparatuses and significant outcomes are included in the section of experimental studies and it is found that paraffin and metal foam are the most used PCM and porous support respectively in the current researches. Numerical advances are reviewed from the aspect of different simulation methods. Compared to representative elementary volume (REV)-scale simulation, the pore-scale simulation can provide extra flow and heat transfer characteristics in pores, exhibiting great potential for the simulation of mesoporous, microporous and hierarchical porous materials. Moreover, there exists a research gap between phase change heat transfer and material preparation. Finally, this review outlooks the future research topics of phase change heat transfer in porous ss-PCMs.

/pdf/a-review-of-phase-change-heat-transfer-in-shape-stabilized-akr2bvxgyg.pdf

A review of phase change heat transfer in shape-stabilized phase change materials (ss-PCMs) based on porous supports for thermal energy storage

Heat pipe heat exchangers and heat sinks: Opportunities, challenges, applications, analysis, and state of the art

Melting and solidification enhancement using a combined heat pipe, foil approach

Effect of inclination angle during melting and solidification of a phase change material using a combined heat pipe-metal foam or foil configuration

Robust Heat Transfer Enhancement During Melting and Solidification of a Phase Change Material Using a Combined Heat Pipe-Metal Foam or Foil Configuration

In one aspect an apparatus to store energy comprises a housing defining an enclosed chamber, foils or foam formed from a thermally conductive material disposed in the chamber, a phase change material disposed within the chamber, and at least one heat pipe extending through the housing in thermal communication with the foam, or foil, and the phase change material. Other aspects may be described.

Michael J. Allen

Papers

Heat pipe heat exchangers and heat sinks: Opportunities, challenges, applications, analysis, and state of the art

Melting and solidification enhancement using a combined heat pipe, foil approach

Effect of inclination angle during melting and solidification of a phase change material using a combined heat pipe-metal foam or foil configuration

Robust Heat Transfer Enhancement During Melting and Solidification of a Phase Change Material Using a Combined Heat Pipe-Metal Foam or Foil Configuration

Energy storage and thermal management using phase change materials in conjunction with heat pipes and foils, foams or other porous media