Solar phase change energy storage device

Are phase change materials suitable for thermal energy storage?

Phase change materials (PCMs) having a large latent heat during solid-liquid phase transition are promising for thermal energy storage applications. However, the relatively low thermal conductivity of the majority of promising PCMs (<10 W/ (m ⋅ K)) limits the power density and overall storage efficiency.

What is solar-thermal storage with phase-change material (PCM)?

Nature Communications 14, Article number: 3456 (2023) Cite this article Solar-thermal storage with phase-change material (PCM) plays an important role in solar energy utilization. However, most PCMs own low thermal conductivity which restricts the thermal charging rate in bulk samples and leads to low solar-thermal conversion efficiency.

How do phase change composites convert solar energy into thermal energy?

Traditional phase change composites for photo-thermal conversion absorb solar energy and transform it into thermal energy at the top layers. The middle and bottom layers are heated by long-distance thermal diffusion.

What is phase-change thermal storage technology?

Phase-change thermal storage technology can solve the issue of mismatch between the supply and demand of heat on a time scale. The heat collected during the heat-storage period can be transferred to fill the heat gap during the middle of the heating period.

How can phase change materials improve solar energy utilization?

Through the cascade design of phase change materials, phase change materials with different melting points can store and release heat at different temperatures, maximizing the efficiency of solar energy utilization.

What is photothermal phase change energy storage?

To meet the demands of the global energy transition, photothermal phase change energy storage materials have emerged as an innovative solution. These materials, utilizing various photothermal conversion carriers, can passively store energy and respond to changes in light exposure, thereby enhancing the efficiency of energy systems.