Title: A review on preparation, characterisation and applications of microencapsulated phase change material slurries for thermal fluid and energy systems

Authors: G.V.N. Trivedi; Rohan Barbade; R. Parameshwaran

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad – 500078, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad – 500078, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad – 500078, India

Abstract: Microencapsulated phase change material slurries are the functional fluids that have emerged as a prominent energy-saving solution in thermal fluid and energy systems (TFES). These functional fluids, being in the state of flow, can enhance the thermal energy storage capacity of the compared to carrier fluid. The remarkable advantages of these fluids are currently being investigated for utilisation in engineering applications. The review articles written so far have concentrated on the preparation, characterisation and heat transfer studies, and lack comprehensive information regarding applications in TFES. This paper gives a comprehensive review of efforts made by the researchers in investigating these fluids in buildings for heating/cooling requirements, electronic systems, and biomedical and PV-thermal applications. In addition to this, this review also discusses studies pertaining to the thermo-physical and rheological properties of slurries. Some limitations have been put forward to provide direction for future studies.

Keywords: thermal energy storage; TES; phase change materials; microencapsulated phase change material slurries; thermophysical; rheological properties.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHM.2025.145773

International Journal of Hydromechatronics, 2025 Vol.8 No.2, pp.148 - 182

Received: 25 Jul 2024
Accepted: 06 Nov 2024
Published online: 23 Apr 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article