Review on Nano Enhanced PCMs: Insight on nePCM Application in Thermal Management/Storage Systems

Phase change materials (PCMs) proved to be valuable and drew the attention of numerous scientists striving to establish novel techniques to minimize energy consumption and expand heat storage; yet a number of challenges hampered their research. This paper provides an overall overview on how to overcome those constraints by adapting nano-enhanced phase change materials, the motivation behind their investigation, their advantages, area of applications, and their impact on thermal management and storage equipment. Recent computational and experimental studies have revealed that nanoparticles are extremely useful in terms of improving the thermo-physical properties of PCMs, allowing nano-PCMs, mainly nano-paraffin, to have a major positive influence on thermal concepts at the economical, ecological, and effectiveness levels. In this context, nano-enhanced PCMs are now able to store and release large amounts of heat in short intervals of time, which is relevant to thermal storage systems and contributes to augmenting and boosting their efficiency. It also improves the thermal performance of cooling and heating systems in buildings and regulates the operating temperature of PV systems, electronic components, and batteries.

Automated summary

Phase change materials (PCMs) have attracted the attention of scientists due to their value in minimizing energy consumption and expanding heat storage, but several challenges have hindered research in this area. This paper summarizes the use of nano-enhanced PCMs to overcome these constraints, discussing their motivation, advantages, applications, and impact on thermal management and storage equipment. Recent studies have shown that nanoparticles can greatly improve the thermo-physical properties of PCMs, leading to significant positive effects in terms of thermal concepts at various levels. Nano-enhanced PCMs are now capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat in short periods of time, benefiting thermal storage systems and increasing overall efficiency in various applications.