Limitations of using phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Abstract

Abstract The use of a phase change materials (PCMs) is a very promising technology for thermal energy storage where it can absorb and release a large amount of latent heat during the phase transition process. The issues that have restricted the use of latent heat storage include the thermal stability of the storage materials and the limitation of the container size. The study of the influence of thermal cycling on the properties of PCMs, such as melting temperature and latent heat, is important. It is found that the paraffin wax and fatty acids (e.g., lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid) have good thermal stability and can be used for solar thermal energy storage applications. However, Calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2. 6H2O) is a good PCM in building applications.