Title: Thermal energy storage using phase change materials: a way forward

Authors: J.P. Hadiya; Ajit Kumar N. Shukla

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya, Vallabh Vidyanagar - 388 120, Anand, Gujarat, India; Gujarat Technological University, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad 382424, Gujarat, India ' School of Engineering, R.K. University, Bhavnagar Highway, Kasturbadham, Rajkot - 360020, Gujarat, India

Abstract: The Phase Change Material (PCM) stores thermal energy in form of latent heat during phase change process. This is one of the way to store available energy to use later for application during off-sunshine hours. This paper reviewed the recent investigation in the area of PCM as Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and a way forward. This review summarises the previous research works based on the type of PCMs and method of work. A radar map, mind map, comparison charts, etc., are developed for energy storage technologies and different PCMs. The geometry of PCM container of TES is first introduced and followed by the types of PCM used for TES. The most of the recent work such as paraffin, fatty acids, hydrates and metallic as PCM for TES are discussed. In the subsequent part of the paper, the recent developments of eutectic mixture of PCMs and metallic PCMs for TES are also reviewed as way forward reducing the Global Warming Potential building a holistic picture.

Keywords: thermal energy storage; phase change material; paraffin; fatty acids; hydrates; eutectics PCMs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2018.092311

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2018 Vol.41 No.1/2/3/4, pp.108 - 127

Received: 20 Jun 2017
Accepted: 26 Nov 2017
Published online: 14 Jun 2018 *

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