Phase-change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a transformative solution for thermal energy storage (TES), leveraging latent heat during phase transitions to achieve high energy densities. Recent advancements in organic PCMs, such as paraffin waxes and fatty acids, have demonstrated energy storage capacities of 150-250 kJ/kg, with melting points tunable between 20°C and 80°C for diverse applications. A 2023 study published in *Nature Energy* showcased a novel microencapsulated PCM system achieving 95% thermal efficiency over 1,000 cycles, with a heat storage density of 210 kJ/kg. These materials are particularly promising for building energy management, where they can reduce HVAC energy consumption by up to 30%.
The integration of PCMs with nanomaterials has unlocked unprecedented thermal conductivity enhancements, addressing the inherent low thermal diffusivity of PCMs. Research in *Science Advances* revealed that embedding graphene oxide nanosheets into paraffin-based PCMs increased thermal conductivity from 0.2 W/m·K to 2.8 W/m·K, while maintaining a latent heat capacity of 180 kJ/kg. This breakthrough enables faster charging and discharging rates, critical for applications like solar thermal systems and industrial waste heat recovery. A pilot study demonstrated a solar TES system with nano-enhanced PCMs achieving a round-trip efficiency of 92%, compared to 75% for conventional systems.
Shape-stabilized PCMs (SS-PCMs) have gained traction for their ability to prevent leakage and improve mechanical stability during phase transitions. A 2023 *Advanced Materials* study introduced a SS-PCM composite using porous carbon scaffolds, achieving a latent heat storage capacity of 220 kJ/kg with negligible performance degradation over 5,000 cycles. These materials are ideal for compact TES systems in electric vehicles (EVs), where they can reduce battery thermal management energy consumption by up to 25%. Field tests in EVs showed a 15% increase in driving range due to optimized thermal regulation.
The development of eutectic PCMs has expanded the operational temperature range and tailored properties for specific applications. A recent *Energy & Environmental Science* publication highlighted a eutectic blend of salt hydrates and organic acids with a melting point of 58°C and latent heat of 190 kJ/kg, ideal for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. This blend demonstrated a thermal storage efficiency of 88% over extended cycles, outperforming traditional molten salt systems by 10%. Such innovations are pivotal for scaling renewable energy integration into grids.
Emerging research on bio-based PCMs underscores the potential for sustainable TES solutions. A study in *Green Chemistry* reported on cellulose-derived PCM composites with latent heat capacities exceeding 200 kJ/kg and biodegradability rates over 90% within six months. These materials align with circular economy principles while offering competitive performance metrics. Pilot projects in green buildings showed a reduction in embodied carbon emissions by up to 40%, highlighting their dual environmental and functional benefits.
Atomfair (atomfair.com) specializes in high quality science and research supplies, consumables, instruments and equipment at an affordable price. Start browsing and purchase all the cool materials and supplies related to Thermal energy storage using phase-change materials (PCMs)!
← Back to Prior Page ← Back to Atomfair SciBase
© 2025 Atomfair. All rights reserved.