Latent heat energy storage system using phase change materials and techniques for their performance improvement: A Review

Entire world is struggling to explore newer methods to overcome the energy crisis. With limited and exhausting energy resources researchers around the world are finding efficient ways to store thermal energy. One of the efficient ways is to store thermal energy in the form of latent heat energy using phase change materials (PCMs). Latent heat storage (LHS) units have been widely adopted owing to superior energy storage density and constant operating temperature. But the thermal performance of these systems is limited due to low thermal conductivity of the PCMs. Researchers across the globe working on approaches to improve the thermal performance of these systems. The present review paper is concerned with a review on PCMs, methods to improve performance of LHS system using PCMs with special emphasis on use of various additives such as nano particles and porous materials to increase the thermal performance of PCMs and types of PCMs for specific applications. The factual data presented in this paper would be helpful in selection of appropriate PCM for specific application, and to adopt suitable performance enhancement technique to obtain most optimal LHS system