Low temperature phase change energy storage

Can low temperature phase change materials store thermal energy?

Phase change materials utilizing latent heat can store a huge amount of thermal energy within a small temperature range i.e., almost isothermal. In this review of low temperature phase change materials for thermal energy storage, important properties and applications of low temperature phase change materials have been discussed and analyzed.

What is a phase change material for thermal energy storage?

TES that employs phase change materials for thermal energy storage can be found across vastly different applications or storage media. Nonetheless, many of them share the commonality of energy storage via solid–liquid transitions. At higher temperatures, materials such as salts offer the base phase change media.

Can phase change materials be used at lower operating temperatures?

There have been many significant efforts to explore and utilize Phase Change Materials (PCMs) on the smaller-scale at lower operating temperatures across the past multiple decades. Many of these employ the use of PCMs that have melting points in the temperature range of expected waste thermal energy or ambient heat sources.

What are the advantages of storing thermal energy in phase change?

Scientists have shown particular interest in storing thermal energy in the phase change between solid and liquid. This phase change exhibits certain advantages, such as favorable phase equilibrium, high density, minor volume changes during phase transition, and low vapor pressure at the operation temperature .

What is a phase change material?

Phase change materials offer solutions to some of these issues by capturing heat not only through sensible heat transfer, but also through latent heat transfer. This enables them to store more heat given the same amount of material and makes them more efficient for thermal energy storage in various applications.

What is the commonality of energy storage via solid–liquid transitions?

Nonetheless, many of them share the commonality of energy storage via solid–liquid transitions. At higher temperatures, materials such as salts offer the base phase change media. At lower temperatures, energy storage is accomplished using materials such as waxes or other types of oils.