Thermal applications of hybrid phase change materials: A critical review

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCM) with their high latent heat capacity have a great ability to store energy during their phase change process. The PCM are renowned for their applications in solar and thermal energy storage systems for the purpose of heating and cooling. However, one of the major drawbacks of PCM is their low thermal conductivity due to which their charging and discharging time reduces along with the reduction in energy storage capacity. This reduction in the energy storage capacity of PCM can be improved by producing organic-inorganic hybrid form-stable PCM, with the combination of two or more PCM together to increase their energy storage capacity. Nanoparticles that possess high thermal conductivity are also doped with these hybrid PCM (HPCM)to improve the effectiveness of thermal conductivity. This paper presents a short review on the applications of HPCM in energy storage and building application. Apart from this a short section of applications of composite PCM (CPCM) is also reviewed with discussions made at the end of each section. Results from the past literature depicted that the application of these HPCM and CPCM enhanced the energy storage capacity and thermal conductivity of the base PCM and selection of a proper hybrid material plays an essential role in their stability. It is presumed that this study will provide a sagacity, to the readers, to investigate their thermophysical properties and other essential applications.