Assessment of latent energy storage systems for thermal management applications in hot and dry climatic condition

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings 2023-02
• Main Authors: Mandal, Nishant, Saxena, Rajat
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy conservation; Energy efficiency; Nanoparticles; Phase change material; Thermal energy storage
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.02.202

Currently, energy is the driving force behind almost everything and its demand is rapidly increasing, with a projected rise of 77 % by 2050. Amidst this, it is imperative to use the available energy more judiciously. Energy conservation and efficiency needs to be implemented in every domain of application. The use of passive measures can be utilized for implementing energy conservation. One such method is to use Phase Change Materials (PCMs), which has the potential to absorb enormous amounts of thermal energy by undergoing phase change. PCMs can be applied for refrigeration, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and thermal management applications. One of the drawbacks of PCM is their low thermal conductivity for which PCM enhancement is to be studied and implemented. The objective of this study is to discuss PCMs, their properties and potential applications for energy conservation and energy efficient operation. The study discusses heat transfer enhancement of PCMs using nanoparticle incorporation. It also assesses the potential energy savings that can be incurred with PCM implementation within building elements and efficiency improvement of solar photovoltaic panels. It is observed that PCM incorporation in buildings can result in heat transfer reduction by 50% and energy storage potential can be increased by 22%. It is also observed PCM implementation in PV panels increase their efficiency by 0.5–3% which is passive solution, with no auxiliary power input required.