Engineering › Mechanical Engineering

Phase Change Materials Research

Works Count: 32816

Wikipedia

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the use of phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage, particularly in building applications. It covers a wide range of topics including heat transfer analysis, high temperature storage, solar energy applications, thermal conductivity enhancement, and microencapsulated PCMs. The research aims to improve energy efficiency and explore innovative ways to store and utilize thermal energy.

Keywords

Thermal Energy Storage; Phase Change Materials; Heat Transfer; Building Applications; Latent Heat; High Temperature; Solar Energy; Thermal Conductivity Enhancement; Microencapsulated PCM; Energy Efficiency

A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications

2003-11-23

Mohammed Farid , Amar M. Khudhair , Siddique Ali K. Razack +1 more

ENTHALPY-POROSITY TECHNIQUE FOR MODELING CONVECTION-DIFFUSION PHASE CHANGE: APPLICATION TO THE MELTING OF A PURE METAL

1988-04-01

A. D. Brent , Vaughan R. Voller , Kenneth Reid

The melting of pure gallium in a rectangular cavity has been numerically investigated using the enthalpy-porosity approach for modeling combined convection-diffusion phase change. The major advantage of this technique is … The melting of pure gallium in a rectangular cavity has been numerically investigated using the enthalpy-porosity approach for modeling combined convection-diffusion phase change. The major advantage of this technique is that it allows a fixed-grid solution of the coupled momentum and energy equations to be undertaken without resorting to variable transformations. In this work, a two-dimensional dynamic model is used and the influence of laminar natural-convection flow on the melting process is considered. Excellent agreement exists between the numerical predictions and experimental results available in the literature. The enthalpy-porosity approach has been found to converge rapidly, and is capable of producing accurate results for both the position and morphology of the melt front at different times with relatively modest computational requirements. These results may be taken to be a sound validation of this technique for modeling isothermal phase changes in metallurgical systems.

Thermal energy storage technologies and systems for concentrating solar power plants

2013-03-22

Sarada Kuravi , Jamie Trahan , D. Yogi Goswami +2 more

Low temperature latent heat thermal energy storage: Heat storage materials

1983-01-01

A. Abhat

Use of microencapsulated PCM in concrete walls for energy savings

2006-05-20

Luisa F. Cabeza , Cecilia Castellón , M. Nogués +3 more

A review on energy conservation in building applications with thermal storage by latent heat using phase change materials

2003-07-31

Amar M. Khudhair , Mohammed Farid

Review on phase change materials (PCMs) for cold thermal energy storage applications

2012-06-07

Eduard Oró , Álvaro de Gracia , Albert Castell +2 more

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Solar energy storage using phase change materials☆

2006-06-29

Murat Kenisarin , K. Mahkamov

Thermal conductivity enhancement of phase change materials for thermal energy storage: A review

2010-08-26

Li‐Wu Fan , J. M. Khodadadi

A review of microencapsulation methods of phase change materials (PCMs) as a thermal energy storage (TES) medium

2014-01-20

Ahmad Jamekhorshid , Seyed Mojtaba Sadrameli , Mohammed Farid

Review on sustainable thermal energy storage technologies, Part I: heat storage materials and techniques

1998-08-01

S.M. Hasnain

Development of phase change materials based microencapsulated technology for buildings: A review

2010-11-25

V.V. Tyagi , S.C. Kaushik , S. K. Tyagi +1 more

State of the art on high-temperature thermal energy storage for power generation. Part 2—Case studies

2009-08-10

Marc Medrano , Antoni Gil , Ingrid Martorell +2 more

Materials used as PCM in thermal energy storage in buildings: A review

2011-01-13

Luisa F. Cabeza , Albert Castell , Camila Barreneche +2 more

Developments in organic solid–liquid phase change materials and their applications in thermal energy storage

2015-02-27

R.K. Sharma , P. Ganesan , V.V. Tyagi +2 more

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Phase change materials for smart textiles – An overview

2007-08-30

Subrata Mondal

Microencapsulated PCM thermal-energy storage system

2003-01-01

M.N.A. Hawlader , Md. Shazib Uddin , Mya Mya Khin

State of the art on high temperature thermal energy storage for power generation. Part 1—Concepts, materials and modellization

2009-08-10

Antoni Gil , Marc Medrano , Ingrid Martorell +4 more

Review of passive PCM latent heat thermal energy storage systems towards buildings’ energy efficiency

2013-01-08

Nelson Soares , J.J. Costa , Adélio Rodrigues Gaspar +1 more

A review of materials, heat transfer and phase change problem formulation for latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LHTESS)

2009-11-06

Francis Boateng Agyenim , Neil Hewitt , Philip Eames +1 more

Review of solid–liquid phase change materials and their encapsulation technologies

2015-04-22

Weiguang Su , Jo Darkwa , Georgios Kokogiannakis

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Mathematical Modeling of Melting and Freezing Processes

1993-05-01

Vasilios Alexiades , A. D. Solomon , V. J. Lunardini

reference on thermal radiation heat transfer, this is the book of choice.The book contains too much material for a onesemester graduate course but the authors have been kind enough to … reference on thermal radiation heat transfer, this is the book of choice.The book contains too much material for a onesemester graduate course but the authors have been kind enough to place asterisks by those sections which they suggest

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Phase change materials for building applications: A state-of-the-art review

2010-04-12

Ruben Baetens , Bjørn Petter Jelle , Arild Gustavsen

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Thermal conductivity and latent heat thermal energy storage characteristics of paraffin/expanded graphite composite as phase change material

2007-01-08

Ahmet Sarı , Ali Karaipekli

PCM thermal storage in buildings: A state of art

2005-11-12

Vineet Veer Tyagi , D. Buddhi

Phase change materials for thermal energy storage

2014-04-02

Kinga Pielichowska , Krzysztof Pielichowski

A review of solar collectors and thermal energy storage in solar thermal applications

2012-12-23

Yuan Tian , Chunyu Zhao

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Heat transfer enhancement for thermal energy storage using metal foams embedded within phase change materials (PCMs)

2010-05-31

Changying Zhao , Wei Lu , Yuan Tian

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Heat transfer characteristics of thermal energy storage system using PCM capsules: A review

2007-08-16

A. Felix Regin , S.C. Solanki , J.S. Saini

Review on thermal energy storage with phase change: materials, heat transfer analysis and applications

2002-12-10

Belén Zalba , José Ma Marı́n , Luisa F. Cabeza +1 more

Review on storage materials and thermal performance enhancement techniques for high temperature phase change thermal storage systems

2012-02-18

Ming Liu , Wasim Saman , Frank Bruno

A fixed grid numerical modelling methodology for convection-diffusion mushy region phase-change problems

1987-08-01

Vaughan R. Voller , C. Prakash

Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials (PCMs) in building applications

2011-09-23

Dongshan Zhou , Changying Zhao , Yuan Tian

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High-temperature phase change materials for thermal energy storage

2009-12-10

Murat Kenisarin

Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials and applications

2008-02-11

Atul Sharma , V.V. Tyagi , C.R. Chen +1 more

A review on phase change materials integrated in building walls

2010-09-16

Frédéric Kuznik , Damien David , Kévyn Johannes +1 more

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Review on concentrating solar power plants and new developments in high temperature thermal energy storage technologies

2015-11-10

Ming Liu , N.H.S. Tay , Stuart Bell +5 more

Thermal energy storage: Recent developments and practical aspects

2015-12-15

Huili Zhang , Jan Baeyens , Gustavo Cáceres +2 more

A review on phase change material (PCM) for sustainable passive cooling in building envelopes

2016-03-24

Hussein J. Akeiber , Payam Nejat , Muhd Zaimi Abd Majid +6 more

Phase change materials (PCM) for cooling applications in buildings: A review

2016-04-18

Farah Souayfane , Farouk Fardoun , Pascal Henry Biwolé

Thermal energy storage for low and medium temperature applications using phase change materials – A review

2016-05-24

Jose Pereira da Cunha , Philip Eames

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Thermal energy storage materials and systems for solar energy applications

2016-10-28

Guruprasad Alva , Lingkun Liu , Xiang Huang +1 more

Review on thermal conductivity enhancement, thermal properties and applications of phase change materials in thermal energy storage

2017-10-12

Yaxue Lin , Yuting Jia , Guruprasad Alva +1 more

An overview of thermal energy storage systems

2017-12-09

Guruprasad Alva , Yaxue Lin , Guiyin Fang

A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Energy Storage

2018-01-14

Ioan Sârbu , Călin Sebarchievici

Thermal energy storage (TES) is a technology that stocks thermal energy by heating or cooling a storage medium so that the stored energy can be used at a later time … Thermal energy storage (TES) is a technology that stocks thermal energy by heating or cooling a storage medium so that the stored energy can be used at a later time for heating and cooling applications and power generation. TES systems are used particularly in buildings and in industrial processes. This paper is focused on TES technologies that provide a way of valorizing solar heat and reducing the energy demand of buildings. The principles of several energy storage methods and calculation of storage capacities are described. Sensible heat storage technologies, including water tank, underground, and packed-bed storage methods, are briefly reviewed. Additionally, latent-heat storage systems associated with phase-change materials for use in solar heating/cooling of buildings, solar water heating, heat-pump systems, and concentrating solar power plants as well as thermo-chemical storage are discussed. Finally, cool thermal energy storage is also briefly reviewed and outstanding information on the performance and costs of TES systems are included.

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Recent developments in phase change materials for energy storage applications: A review

2018-10-06

Hassan Nazir , Mariah Batool , F.J. Bolívar +6 more

Novel strategies and supporting materials applied to shape-stabilize organic phase change materials for thermal energy storage–A review

2018-11-14

Malik Muhammad Umair , Yuang Zhang , Kashif Iqbal +2 more

Thermal conductivity enhancement on phase change materials for thermal energy storage: A review

2019-10-14

Shaofei Wu , Ting Yan , Zihan Kuai +1 more

Heat and cold storage with PCM

2008-01-01

Harald Mehling , Luisa F. Cabeza

Numerical Investigation Using Machine Learning Process Combination of Bio PCM and Solar Salt for Thermal Energy Storage Applications

2025-06-25

Ravi Kumar Kottala , B. V. Sankar Ram , Maanak Gupta +5 more | Symmetry

TGA kinetic analysis can assess the thermal stability and degradation properties of PCMs by calculating activation energies and onset degradation temperatures, which are critical elements when developing optimal PCM composition … TGA kinetic analysis can assess the thermal stability and degradation properties of PCMs by calculating activation energies and onset degradation temperatures, which are critical elements when developing optimal PCM composition and assessing long-term performance in thermal energy storage applications. In this study, we utilize a thermogravimetric analyzer to examine the thermal stability of both solar salt phase change material (i.e., commonly used in medium-temperature applications) (NaNO3 + KNO3) and a composite eutectic PCM mixture (i.e., PCM with 20% biochar). The activation energies of both the pure solar salt and composite solar salt PCM sample were evaluated using a variety of different kinetic models such as Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), and Starink. For pure PCM, the mean activation energies calculated using the KAS, FWO, and Starink methods are 581.73 kJ/mol, 570.47 kJ/mol, and 581.31 kJ/mol, respectively. Conversely, for the composite solar salt PCM sample, the calculated experimental average activation energies are 51.67 kJ/mol, 62.124 kJ/mol, and 51.383 kJ/mol. Additionally, various machine learning models, such as linear regression, decision tree regression, gradient boosting regression, random forest regression, polynomial regression, Gaussian process regression, and KNN regression models, are developed to predict the degradation behaviour of pure and composite solar salts under different loading rates. In the machine learning models, the mass loss of the samples is the output variable and the input features are PCM type, heating rate, and temperature. The machine learning models had a great prediction performance based on experimental TGA data, with KNN regression outperforming the other models by achieving the lowest RMSE of 0.0318 and the highest R2 score of 0.977.

Impacts of Design Parameters on the Thermal Performance of a Macro-Encapsulated Phase-Change-Material Blind Integrated in a Double-Skin Façade System

2025-06-25

Yilin Li , Wenshan He , Wen‐Quan Tao +3 more | Energies

Double-skin façades (DSFs) are promising sustainable design elements of buildings. However, they are prone to overheating problems in warm seasons due to high outdoor temperatures and intense solar radiation. Although … Double-skin façades (DSFs) are promising sustainable design elements of buildings. However, they are prone to overheating problems in warm seasons due to high outdoor temperatures and intense solar radiation. Although phase-change material (PCM) blinds have proved to be effective at enhancing the thermal performance of DSFs, the impacts of the design parameters are crucial to the overall thermal performance of the system. This study focused on analyzing the impacts of design parameters on the thermal performance of a ventilated DSF system, which consisted of a macro-encapsulated phase-change material (PCM) blind with an aluminum shell. A simulation study was conducted using ANSYS Workbench FLUENT software, and the temperature distributions of the integrated system were compared with different blind tilt angles and ratios of cavity depth to blind width. The results show that both the blind tilt angle and ratio of cavity depth to blind width had a significant influence on the thermal performance of the DSF system. For instance, lower air-cavity temperatures within the range of 37~40 °C were achieved with the PCM blind at tilt angles of 30° and 60° compared with other selected tilt angles (0° and 90°). In terms of the cavity depth to blind width ratio, a ratio of 2.5 resulted in a lower air-cavity temperature and a better thermal performance by the DSF. With the optimal blind tilt angle and cavity depth to blind width ratio, the integrated DSF and macro-encapsulated PCM-blind system can reduce the cavity temperature by as much as 2.9 °C during the warm season.

Incorporation of nano-encapsulated PCM in clay hollow blocks and cement layer for improving energy efficiency in buildings: A numerical approach

2025-06-25

Raouf Hassan , Ali B.M. Ali , Omar J. Alkhatib +1 more | Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

Phase Change Materials in Heat Exchangers

2025-06-25

Mohd Naqueeb Shaad Jagirdar , K. Goswami , Hakeem Niyas | CRC Press eBooks

Advances in encapsulated phase change materials for integration in thermal management applications

2025-06-24

Muhammad Ghufran , David Huitink | Emergent Materials

Abstract Encapsulated phase change materials (ePCMs) have the potential to emerge as a key solution for efficient thermal management in various applications. This review paper explores the recent advancements in … Abstract Encapsulated phase change materials (ePCMs) have the potential to emerge as a key solution for efficient thermal management in various applications. This review paper explores the recent advancements in ePCMs for thermal energy storage and thermal management. We start with a basic overview of the PCMs and then performance enhancements of PCMs through the encapsulation, critical parameters for encapsulation, various encapsulation methods, and their evaluation are discussed. This review also discusses key properties and proposed figure of merit for ePCMs, impact of encapsulation on thermophysical properties, performance evaluation of ePCMs, thermal management needs, and the role of PCMs. The paper discusses recent advances in ePCMs for thermal management, focusing on advanced materials for encapsulation and nano-enhanced ePCMs, and the integration of ePCMs with heat sinks and heat transfer fluids. Through this comprehensive review, the paper also highlights challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives of ePCMs. This review aims to present a comprehensive resource for researchers and professionals working on ePCMs for thermal management applications.

Control of melting behavior of phase change materials in an annulus enclosure through fin orientation and nanoparticles

2025-06-24

Obai Younis , Aissa Abderrahmane , Abed Mourad +1 more | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part C Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science

This study investigates the enhancement of latent heat thermal energy storage systems through the synergistic integration of fin orientation and copper nanoparticle (NP) additives in paraffin wax phase change material … This study investigates the enhancement of latent heat thermal energy storage systems through the synergistic integration of fin orientation and copper nanoparticle (NP) additives in paraffin wax phase change material (PCM). The study employed the enthalpy-porosity approach to analyze the effect of fin orientation and nanoparticles (NPs) on the melting behavior of paraffin wax in annular enclosures. The NP-enhanced-PCM was placed in an annular space alongside a finned tube at different angles and temperatures for the heat transfer fluid circulating through the inner tube. Because of the dominance of convective heat transfer (HT), it was observed that the melting rates on the top side of the investigated annulus are markedly higher than those on the lower side. The numerical results revealed three key findings: (1) Vertical fin orientation (α = −90°) achieves the most significant improvement, reducing total melting time to 181 min (70.8% faster than horizontal fins at 620 min, and 45% faster than inclined fins at 328 min); (2) NP incorporation enhances thermal conductivity, with 4 vol% concentration reducing the melting time by 11% compared to pure PCM; and (3) HT fluid temperature elevation from 60°C to 70°C accelerates melting by 73.4%, enabling complete phase change in just 46 min. The analysis reveals a distinct thermal performance dichotomy: while natural convection in the upper regions enables rapid melting, the lower section remains constrained by conduction-dominated HT.

Preparation and thermophysical property analysis of a new kind of mixed molten salts with wide temperature ranges for energy storage

2025-06-24

Chenxing Ren , Yifan Wang , Xin He +2 more | Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry

Preparation and optimization of graphene oxide on thermal conductivity of melamine urea-formaldehyde@n-hexadecane phase change microcapsules (MEPCMs)

2025-06-24

Xuefei Zhang , Wei Zhang , Chengyao Wang | International Journal of Green Energy

Feasibility assessment of water as a means of constructing a novel contact melting method: A numerical study

2025-06-24

Xinyu Huang , Yuan Xie , Jiayi Gao +3 more | Numerical Heat Transfer Part A Applications

Hybrid functional N-octadecane@melamine-formaldehyde-boric acid microencapsulated phase change material for building energy management and flame retardancy

2025-06-24

Erdinç Halis Alakara , Cemil Alkan , Nazan Gökşen Tosun +2 more | Construction and Building Materials

Porous‐Based Materials for High Power Density Thermal Energy Storage and Flexible Conversion: A Comprehensive Review

2025-06-23

Zhihan Yao , Zhiwei Ge , Haocheng Sun +5 more | Small

Abstract Addressing the thermal challenges inherent in energy storage and conversion‐driven by the demand for high energy and power density‐is crucial for advancing carbon neutrality. Porous materials, characterized by their … Abstract Addressing the thermal challenges inherent in energy storage and conversion‐driven by the demand for high energy and power density‐is crucial for advancing carbon neutrality. Porous materials, characterized by their high surface area, tunable porosity, and nanometer‐scale porous structure, offer exceptional performance due to their structural adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the key methods for synthesizing and fabricating these materials, as well as the mechanisms underlying controllable thermal behavior. The review further explores their diverse applications in thermal energy storage (TES), with a focus on phase change material encapsulation and the stabilization of thermochemical reactions. Additionally, it introduces innovative decarbonization strategies, framed within traditional thermal energy conversion pathways. Finally, the challenges faced by porous materials used for TES and conversion in terms of preparation, application, and cost across multiple scales, providing references for the development of high‐performance porous materials in the future are summarized.

Double cut design of horizontal phase change heat storage device: experimental and numerical study

2025-06-23

Jiayi Gao , Rukun Hu , Xuan Liu +3 more | International Journal of Thermal Sciences

Natural wax supported by microporous biochar to create a stable phase change material

2025-06-23

David Brassard , A. Karthikeyan , Jason R. Tavares | The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering

Abstract Energy storage, exploiting the latent heat of phase change materials, offers an efficient method to store and release heat. Initial developments of phase change materials and their containment targeted … Abstract Energy storage, exploiting the latent heat of phase change materials, offers an efficient method to store and release heat. Initial developments of phase change materials and their containment targeted performance over environmental impact. This article presents a bio‐sourced, fully compostable, and biodegradable composite phase change material made from hardwood charcoal and beeswax. This material combines effective heat transfer performance with a significant focus on sustainable end‐of‐life waste management, especially when compared to traditional methods that rely on synthetic or heavily modified bio‐sourced phase change materials. We measured a beeswax uptake within charcoal's porous structure of up to 61.2%. This resulted in a composite with a latent heat enthalpy of 77.83 J g −1 , with cyclability tested up to 20 cycles without any reduction in performance. The process was scaled from millimetre‐scale particles up to centimetre‐scale particles with similar adsorption capacities. The Laplace–Young equation confirmed that adsorption of beeswax is mostly driven by a capillary pressure, of at least 2.2 × 10 4 N m −2 , caused by the naturally occurring porous structure of charcoal. These beeswax‐loaded charcoal particles could find applications for heat recovery in HVAC systems or in packed bed heat storage systems.

Unveiling the melting dynamics of phase change material with geometrically configured porous copper inserts: Experimental and numerical analysis

2025-06-23

Burak Kıyak , Hakan F. Öztop | International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

A Review of Phase-Change Material-Based Thermal Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage of Solar Photovoltaic Systems Coupled to Heat Pumps in the Building Sector

2025-06-22

Shafquat Rana , Joshua M. Pearce | Energies

Buildings account for about a third of global energy and it is thus imperative to eliminate the use of fossil fuels to power and provide for their thermal needs. Solar … Buildings account for about a third of global energy and it is thus imperative to eliminate the use of fossil fuels to power and provide for their thermal needs. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology can provide power and with electrification, heating/cooling, but there is often a load mismatch with the intermittent solar supply. Electric batteries can overcome this challenge at high solar penetration rates but are still capital-intensive. A promising solution is thermal energy storage (TES), which has a low cost per unit of energy. This review provides an in-depth analysis of TES but specifically focuses on phase change material (PCM)-based TES, and its significance in the building sector. The classification, characterization, properties, applications, challenges, and modeling of PCM-TES are detailed. Finally, the potential for integrating TES with PV and heat pump (HP) technologies to decarbonize the residential sector is detailed. Although many studies show proof of carbon reduction for the individual and coupled systems, the integration of PV+HP+PCM-TES systems as a whole unit has not been developed to achieve carbon neutrality and facilitate net zero emission goals. Overall, there is still a lack of available literature and experimental datasets for these complex systems which are needed to develop models for global implementation as well as studies to quantify their economic and environmental performance.

Macroscopic Phase‐Change Drug Carrier Ball with Photothermally Controlled Release and Magnetically Controlled Transport Properties

2025-06-22

Hyunji Lee , Jihyeok Park , Mo Kang +3 more | Advanced Materials Technologies

Abstract Phase‐change materials (PCMs) are widely regarded as effective thermo‐responsive gating materials for on‐demand drug release. Most previous studies utilizing PCMs for this purpose focus on small colloidal micro‐ and … Abstract Phase‐change materials (PCMs) are widely regarded as effective thermo‐responsive gating materials for on‐demand drug release. Most previous studies utilizing PCMs for this purpose focus on small colloidal micro‐ and nanoparticles. In this study, macroscopic phase‐change drug carriers are demonstrated in the form of millimeter‐sized balls, which offer enhanced visibility. These wax‐based phase‐change macroballs, composed of paraffin, fatty alcohols, or fatty acids, can be easily fabricated with customizable volumes by depositing melted wax droplets containing functional components–such as drugs, photothermal agents, surfactants, and magnetites–onto omniphobic surfaces, where they spontaneously dewet and solidify upon natural cooling. These macroballs can be rapidly heated and melted upon near‐infrared irradiation due to the incorporation of low‐melting‐point liquid metal (LM) eutectic Ga–In microdroplets as photothermal agents, enabling efficient on‐demand drug release. Furthermore, by adsorbing magnetically susceptible Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles onto the LM microdroplets, the transport of the macroballs becomes magnetically controllable, as demonstrated by the use of a permanent magnet or electromagnet. The strategies demonstrated in this study provide a simple and scalable approach to fabricating high‐visibility, trackable macroscopic phase‐change balls with on‐demand photothermal drug release and magnetically controlled transport properties.

Effect of inclination, magnetic field and nanoparticles concentration on phase change material melting. Comprehensive study based on finite volume method

2025-06-21

M. Harchaoui , A. Bendaraa , M. Elôrch +2 more | Numerical Heat Transfer Part A Applications

Exploring the impact of nanostructures on specific heat in nanoparticle-doped carbonate salts via MD simulations

2025-06-21

Qutaiba Altwarah , Fahim Mahtab Abir , Charles L. Prince +1 more | Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Multifunctional flexible phase change materials: From material design to thermal energy storage in renewable scenarios

2025-06-21

Yang Liu , S. Zhang , Zhonghe Gao +3 more | Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Research progress on improving the thermal storage performance of molten salt by nanomaterials

2025-06-20

Huachuan Wang , Junfeng Tan , Y.K. Wang +2 more | Solar Energy

A novel nanoparticle-loaded tube embedded phase-change microcapsules coatings for temperature regulation performance and fire safety of buildings

2025-06-20

Jielin Zeng , Ying Wang , Shaoxiang Li +5 more | International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

Enhanced Light‐Thermal Absorption and Conversion Capacity of Diatomite‐Based Polyethylene Glycol Composites Phase Change Materials by Introducing Polydopamine

2025-06-20

Ping Liu , Minsheng Feng , Xinyi Zhao +6 more | Journal of Polymer Science

ABSTRACT The application of phase change energy storage techniques effectively addresses energy shortages. By combining photothermal conversion materials with phase change materials, this approach yields composite phase change energy storage … ABSTRACT The application of phase change energy storage techniques effectively addresses energy shortages. By combining photothermal conversion materials with phase change materials, this approach yields composite phase change energy storage materials with superior photothermal conversion performance and high phase change enthalpy. Porous raw diatomite (RD) was used as a substrate to initiate the self‐polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride, forming a polydopamine (PDA) layer on the RD surface. Subsequently, the substrate was impregnated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) under vacuum to synthesize the RD/PDA/PEG composite phase change energy storage material. This study demonstrated that PDA‐functionalized RD enhances PEG encapsulation and improves the light absorption efficiency of the RD/PDA/PEG composite. Furthermore, the incorporation of PDA significantly boosts the photothermal absorption and conversion efficiency of the composite material. Notably, the photothermal conversion efficiency of RD/PDA/PEG‐12 reached 78.8%.

Thermal storage performance of a novel spiral shell-tube phase change heat energy storage system

2025-06-20

Xin Nie , Long Li , Leyi Yu +2 more | Journal of Energy Storage

Enhancing thermal energy storage efficiency with nano-integrated phase change materials: Machine learning-driven optimization via computational fluid dynamics

2025-06-20

Shamila Khalid , Mohib Hussain , Hassan Waqas +1 more | International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

The calculation of experimental mass fractions of phase change material in a latent heat thermal energy storage unit by means of a novel thermal analysis method

2025-06-20

Saime Şebnem Çetin , Ümit Nazlı Temel | Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry

Abstract This study presents a novel thermal analysis method that enables the experimental calculation of time-dependent solid, mushy, and liquid phase fractions during the melting process of phase change materials … Abstract This study presents a novel thermal analysis method that enables the experimental calculation of time-dependent solid, mushy, and liquid phase fractions during the melting process of phase change materials (PCMs) in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems. Unlike previous studies that predominantly rely on numerical simulations, the proposed method allows direct and detailed experimental determination of phase transformations using calibrated infrared thermography combined with grouped temperature analysis. This innovation addresses a significant gap in the experimental literature, as accurate temporal mapping of phase distributions is essential for enhancing the thermal performance of LHTES units in practical applications. The method was implemented and evaluated on a cubic LHTES unit filled with A42 paraffin-based PCM under varying heating powers and directions. For this purpose, the mass fractions of solid, mushy, and liquid phases were experimentally calculated in a time-dependent manner for the first time in both bottom-heated and side-heated LHTES systems at heating powers of 30, 40, and 50 W. Using the calculated mass fractions, experimental phase change contours for the PCM melting process were presented for the first time in the literature. The results show that the melting behavior of PCM differs significantly depending on the direction of heating, while similar thermal patterns are observed across different heating powers for the same direction. The formation of unstable mushy zones increases with the dominance of convective currents. At a heating power of 50 W, the complete melting time was found to be 120 min for the bottom-heated LHTES and 180 min for the side-heated LHTES. The maximum mushy fraction reached approximately 12% at 100 min in both configurations; however, this peak occurred near the end of the melting process for the bottom-heated case, and around the midpoint for the side-heated case. The obtained time-dependent temperature distributions and phase fraction contours provide valuable experimental insights into PCM melting behavior and serve as a reliable reference for validating numerical models and guiding future studies focused on improving the performance of LHTES systems.

Enhancing Solar Thermal Energy Storage via Torsionally Modified TPMS Structures Embedded in Sodium Acetate Trihydrate

2025-06-20

Martin Beer , Radim Rybár | Energies

This study focuses on the numerical analysis of the impact of geometric modifications of sheet-gyroid structures on heat transfer in thermal energy storage systems utilizing sodium acetate trihydrate as a … This study focuses on the numerical analysis of the impact of geometric modifications of sheet-gyroid structures on heat transfer in thermal energy storage systems utilizing sodium acetate trihydrate as a phase change material. The aim was to enhance the thermal conductivity of SAT, which is inherently low in the solid phase, by embedding a thermally conductive metallic structure made of aluminum alloy 6061. The simulations compared four gyroid configurations with different degrees of torsional deformation (0°, 90°, 180°, and 360°) alongside a reference model without any structure. Using numerical analysis, the study evaluated the time required to heat the entire volume of SAT above its phase transition temperature (58 °C) as well as the spatial distribution of the temperature field. The results demonstrate that all gyroid configurations significantly reduced the charging time compared with the reference case, with the highest efficiency achieved by the 360° twisted structure. Temperature maps revealed a more uniform thermal distribution within the phase change material and a higher heat flux into the volume. These findings highlight the strong potential of TPMS-based structures for improving the performance of latent heat thermal energy storage systems.

Comparative thermal study of octadecane-based shape-stable materials for thermal energy storage

2025-06-19

Pratibha Rawat , Deepika P. Joshi , Neetu Bora | Pramana

Numerical Evaluation of a Dual Phase Change Material-Integrated Cap for Prolonged Thermal Protection in Extreme Heat

2025-06-19

Mohammad Junaid , Goutam Saha , Pabel Shahrear +1 more | Results in Engineering

Thermal performance of latent heat thermal energy storage units with fin optimization structure constructed based on the solid-liquid interface movement velocity

2025-06-19

Yang Hu , Kun Zhang , J.C. Gao +4 more | Journal of Energy Storage

Multifunctional nanohybrid of hematite and silver for enhanced heat diffusion and waste water remediation

2025-06-19

Divya Rajan , Minu Pius , Frincy Francis +1 more | Results in Surfaces and Interfaces

Investigation of heat transfer prediction methods for PCM-to-air heat exchangers based on recurrent neural networks

2025-06-19

Zehui Yang , Zhili Ren , Yong Liu +3 more | Journal of Energy Storage

Novel potassium bicarbonate phase change sol for cold energy storage

2025-06-19

Yuanchen Ma , Baoshan Xie , Yu Qiu +1 more | Journal of Energy Storage

Experimental characterization of iron mining tailings as sustainable material for thermal energy storage

2025-06-19

Marina Díaz-Piloñeta , Marta Terrados-Cristos , Gemma Martínez Huerta +2 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> Mine tailings are an unavoidable waste generated during iron ore mining operations, of which millions of tonnes are generated worldwide. Given the importance of steel, and therefore, iron ore … <title>Abstract</title> Mine tailings are an unavoidable waste generated during iron ore mining operations, of which millions of tonnes are generated worldwide. Given the importance of steel, and therefore, iron ore mining, solutions are needed to recover this waste. Despite global efforts, the current proposed solutions struggle to reach the market due to cost-effectiveness issues. This study explores a potential solution, presenting iron tailings as a viable, economical, and sustainable material for thermal energy storage systems. This technology is crucial for addressing renewable energy intermittency and capturing industrial waste heat. The experimental analysis carried out confirm the effectiveness of iron tailings in this field, with a density of up to 450 kWh/m<sup>3</sup>. The material stands up safety, minimal environmental impact, and favourable thermophysical properties at a low investment cost. This innovative application not only addresses energy challenges but also contributes to resolving the waste management crisis in the iron mining industry.

A comprehensive review of optimizing phase change materials in thermal energy storage: The role of nanoparticles, fin configurations, and data-driven approaches

2025-06-19

Ali Alahmer , T. J. Turner , Sameer Al‐Dahidi +1 more | Journal of Energy Storage

Magnetic effects on solid particle dispersion from circular cylinders and double-diffusive convection in a NEPCM-filled porous thermal chamber

2025-06-19

Weaam Alhejaili , Sang-Wook Lee , Abdelraheem M. Aly | International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat &amp Fluid Flow

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of magnetic fields, buoyancy ratios ( N ), Darcy numbers ( Da ) and thermal radiation parameters ( Rd ) on the … Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of magnetic fields, buoyancy ratios ( N ), Darcy numbers ( Da ) and thermal radiation parameters ( Rd ) on the dispersion of solid particles and double-diffusive convection in a porous cavity filled with nano-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM). The cavity includes three high-temperature and high-concentration circular sources and a fixed cylinder, creating complex convective interactions. The goal is to quantify heat and mass transfer characteristics and improve thermal storage system efficiency by integrating numerical simulations with machine learning for enhanced predictive accuracy. Design/methodology/approach The incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) method is used for solving the governing equations of heat, mass and momentum transfer in the porous cavity. The study incorporates the Soret and Dufour effects and examines convective behavior across a range of N , Da and Rd values. To enhance predictive analysis, a machine learning framework based on ensemble regression with bagging is developed to estimate the average Nusselt ( <m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><m:mover accent="true"><m:mrow><m:mtext>Nu</m:mtext></m:mrow><m:mo>¯</m:mo></m:mover></m:math> ) and Sherwood ( <m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><m:mover accent="true"><m:mrow><m:mtext>Sh</m:mtext></m:mrow><m:mo>¯</m:mo></m:mover></m:math> ) numbers with high accuracy. The computational approach is validated against benchmark studies, ensuring reliability in thermal energy storage applications. Findings Results indicate that increasing N enhances thermal and solutal transport, driven by thermal buoyancy effects, whereas negative N values lead to solutal-dominant behavior. Higher Da values promote strong convective mixing, while lower Da induces a conduction-dominated regime, suppressing particle dispersion. Thermal radiation ( Rd ) significantly enhances heat and mass transfer, optimizing energy transport efficiency. The machine learning model achieved low prediction errors (MSE ∼ 10 −3 ), successfully identifying critical feature interactions such as <m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><m:mi>τ</m:mi></m:math> · Rd and <m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><m:mi>τ</m:mi><m:mi> </m:mi></m:math> · N , influencing transfer dynamics. Originality/value This study presents a novel integration of ISPH-based numerical simulations with machine learning to analyze solid particle dispersion and double-diffusive convection in an NEPCM-filled porous cavity. The research uniquely quantifies the interplay between thermal radiation, magnetic effects and convective transport in the presence of multiple heat sources. By leveraging machine learning, the study enhances predictive capabilities for Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, offering practical insights into thermal energy storage optimization. These findings contribute to next-generation heat transfer models, providing a framework for improving thermal management in industrial and renewable energy applications.

Enhanced heat and mass transfer in phase change materials: A double-diffusive convection study with machine learning integration

2025-06-18

Abdelraheem M. Aly , Munirah Alotaibi | Journal of Energy Storage

High-Temperature Molten Salt Heat Exchanger Technology: Research Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

2025-06-18

Chunyang Zheng , Keyong Cheng , Dongjiang Han | Energies

Molten salt heat exchangers are pivotal components in advanced energy systems, where their high-temperature stability and efficient heat transfer performance are critical for system reliability. This paper provides a comprehensive … Molten salt heat exchangers are pivotal components in advanced energy systems, where their high-temperature stability and efficient heat transfer performance are critical for system reliability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in molten salt heat exchanger technology, focusing on their application in nuclear energy, concentrated solar power, and thermal energy storage systems. Key design considerations, including thermophysical properties of molten salts and operational conditions, are analyzed to highlight performance optimization strategies. The review traces the evolution from traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers to compact designs like printed circuit heat exchangers, emphasizing improvements in heat transfer efficiency and power density. Challenges such as material corrosion, manufacturing complexities, and flow dynamics are critically examined. Furthermore, future research directions are proposed, including the development of high-performance materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and optimized geometries. This review aims to consolidate dispersed research findings, address technological bottlenecks, and provide a roadmap for the continued development of molten salt heat exchangers in high-temperature energy systems.

Enhancing Building Thermal Performance: A Review of Phase Change Material Integration

2025-06-18

Khaled Alassaad , James M. Minto , Pieter de Wilde | Energies

Buildings are responsible for over one-third of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, with heating and cooling being major contributors. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising passive solution … Buildings are responsible for over one-third of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, with heating and cooling being major contributors. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising passive solution to improve thermal regulation and reduce heating and cooling loads. This review analyses different experimental and simulation-based studies on the integration of PCMs into building structures for enhancing building energy performance. The key variables examined include melting temperature, latent heat capacity, thermal conductivity (λ), PCM positioning (interior, exterior, or embedded), thickness, and climate zone. The results show that PCMs reduce heat transfer by up to 47.6%, stabilize indoor temperatures with up to a 46% reduction in fluctuations, and decrease heating and cooling demands by as much as 31%, depending on component placement and climate. The optimal melting range for moderate climates lies between 22 °C and 28 °C. This review identifies critical trade-offs between PCM quantity, placement, and climatic suitability and provides a matrix of design recommendations for various building types.