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

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCM) with their high thermal storage density at almost isothermal conditions and their availability at wide range of phase transitions promote an effective mode of storing thermal energy. Literature survey evidently shows that paraffins and salt hydrates provide better thermal performance at competitive cost. However, the efficient utilization of latent heat storage is limited by low thermal conductivity, phase segregation, subcooling and container material compatibility with PCMs. This review paper is focused on classification of various PCMs, long term thermal stability of paraffins and salt hydrates; their compatibility with different container materials and thermal performance enhancement techniques adopted by various researchers such as influence of container shape, employment of fins and high conductivity additives, multi-PCM approach and PCM encapsulation on phase transition rates and thermal energy storage density. The conclusions obtained from critical assessment of research work carried out on latent heat storage will encourage using reliable PCM with compatible container material and an efficient geometric configuration to achieve maximum thermal utilization of PCM.