Insight into numerical and experimental approaches to analyze energy storage using latent heat.

In the present scenario due to ever increasing energy demand and complete dependency on fossil fuels, acute energy crisis is created. The issue of energy efficiency is paramount in every organization around the world. Scientific and research community around the globe are constantly striving to find newer ways for efficiently storing, using/reusing thermal energy. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems give distinct options for energy conservation and efficient use. TES using sensible heat is frequently used method, but the recent research shows that in latent heat storage, density of stored energy is greater than that when stored in sensible form. PCM absorbs heat in charging process and stores that in both Latent and Sensible heat forms. In case of Latent heat storage (LHS) system which uses phase change materials (PCMs) sounds impressive and popularly used approach for storing thermal energy. Forecasting the unsteady behaviour of phase transformation process is difficult to understand and analyze as the solid-liquid interface is in moving state. The current paper brings together the various research work, available data, validated results from literature carried out on numerical and experimental strategies aimed at understanding, analyzing, and augmenting the performance of energy storage systems. It also reviews salient applications of PCM for energy storage considering the domains of electronic cooling and solar energy. A few of research lacunae are highlighted and future scope of investigations recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]