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This paper presents a comprehensive review of significant studies that are relevant to thermal energy storage technologies using phase change materials (PCMs). The review focuses on the techniques applied to enhance the performance of thermal storage systems and the methods used to analyse the heat transfer problems in PCMs. In addition, this paper reviews the published results and discussions on the heat transfer intensification methods including application of fins, filling materials, nano-fluids, nano-particles, microencapsulation and the thermal conductivity enhancement method. Furthermore, the experimental and mathematical methods to enhance the thermal conductivity of PCMs are summarised, and the methods used to determine the nanofluid dynamic viscosity in recent investigations are also listed and discussed. The focus of this review is to provide a solid basis for the identification of the optimal design for the various heat transfer applications using PCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the state of the art in R & D on integration of phase change materials into building structures for their passive thermal control. Such perspective phase change materials as paraffins, fatty acids and their blends, as well as fatty acid esters, are considered for passive thermal control of buildings. Gypsum wallboards, concretes, porous and other materials used for building structures forming are discussed. Various technologies of the PCM integration into building structures are described. The characteristics of three laboratory small models of buildings, which were subject of investigations, are presented in this paper. The results of comparative tests on fifteen full size buildings containing elements with PCMs are summarized. Experiments conducted by a number of researchers on passive solar buildings demonstrated that the application of phase change heat storage materials decreases the variation in the air temperature in the rooms; shifts the peak of energy consumption for heating and cooling of lightweight buildings by several hours and decreases energy consumption for maintaining the comfort temperature levels in buildings. Recommendations for further research activities in this field are proposed at the end of this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal energy storage is considered as one the most perspective technologies for increasing the efficiency of energy conversion processes and effective utilization of available sources of heat. Advantages and technical attractiveness of the thermal energy storing have resulted in continuously increasing numbers of research activities, especially in the last four decades. Among various applications of thermal energy storage, the heat or cold accumulation in the temperature range from −50 °C to 120 °C has a greater market potential and this can be carried out using a wide range of phase change latent heat materials. Among these materials the salt hydrates deserve a special attention and currently a large number of phase change compositions based on salt hydrates are produced commercially and available on the market. However, reliable data on thermophysical properties as well as their thermal stability over their lifetime is required to build effective storage systems. Currently this data is insufficient and is scattered across numerous sources that are often difficult to access for potential consumers. This paper summarises practically all available original experimental data on the phase change diagram of salt–water systems, melting temperatures, heat of fusion, specific heat, density, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity in solid and liquid states and viscosity in the liquid state for 18 salt hydrates. The above information is provided for major market products on the basis of the salt hydrates for latent heat storage. The wholesale prices for pure salt, salt hydrates, and salt hydrate heat storage compositions are also additionally discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]