Phase Change Materials in High Heat Storage Application: A Review

Thermal energy harvesting and its applications significantly rely on thermal energy storage (TES) materials. Critical factors include the material’s ability to store and release heat with minimal temperature differences, the range of temperatures covered, and repetitive sensitivity. The short duration of heat storage limits the effectiveness of TES. Phase change materials (PCMs) are a current global research focus due to their desirable thermal properties, which improve energy performance and thermal comfort. PCMs require relatively less synthesis effort while maintaining high efficiency and enhancing cost-effectiveness. However, limited temperature range and storage capacity restrict the application of conventional PCMs. Consequently, the demand for high-energy PCM storage with enhanced thermo-physical properties is high. It is essential to explore the potential of new PCMs to improve thermal storage performance and capacity while reducing energy consumption. This review article explores the classifications and applications of PCMs, addresses the challenges in enhancing their thermo-physical properties, and outlines the selection criteria for high-heat storage applications. Additionally, it provides an in-depth analysis of recent research and developments related to PCMs.