Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems: A Review

Latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LHTES) are useful for solar and many other applications, but there is an issue with phase change materials (PCMs) having low conductivity. This can be enhanced fins, metal foam, pipes, multiple PCMs, nanoparticles (NPs). paper reviews nano-enhanced PCM (NePCM) alone additional enhancements. Low, middle, high temperature classified, the achievements limitations of works assessed. The review categorized based upon enhancements: solely NPs, NPs highly conductive porous materials, nano-encapsulated PCMs. Both experimental numerical methods considered, focusing on how well system. Generally, have been proven to enhance PCM, some types more effective than others. Middle temperatures lacking compared temperature, as combined enhancement studies. Al2O3, copper, carbon most studied NP paraffin common by far. Some studies found insignificant in comparison enhancements, others them beneficial. article also suggests future work NePCM LHTES systems.