Contribution of Nanoparticles in Elaborating the Thermal Performance of Phase Change Materials: Up-to-date Review Study

Abstract

Phase change material (PCM) is an example of thermal mass, which has many advantages in store the heat for peak time through a conversion process. This material is in demand for energy saving in conditioning applications and electrical appliances. The PCMs can be used to save thermal energy for heating or cooling, in many applications depending on the design and characteristics of the system and limitations of transformation change. They are generally used for space heating in residential buildings on a short-term or seasonal basis. For boosting their heat capacity, such materials could be enhanced through adding nanoparticles (NPs). Nanomaterials, including metal- or carbon-based NPs, have shown to be the most effective additions for thermal energy storage units. In charge and discharge modes, they enhance the properties of PCMs in both sensible as well as latent heat. In general, the following NPs are being considered: SiO2, Ag, graphene, CuO, and Al2O3. Where, the content was between 0.5-15%. The content should be less than 5% for paraffin PCM and can be higher for salts and other classifications of PCMs.