Application of bio-based phase change materials for effective heat management

The sudden rise in the gas and oil price due to political issues and the goal demand to reduce CO2 emissions to nearly zero by 2050 urges scientists to provide renewable and sustainable strategies to replace fossil fuel sources or reduce the energy demand. Using thermal energy storage integrated with renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, is a popular method to reduce peak energy demands. Phase change materials (PCMs) as practical thermal storage can be produced from different organic and inorganic materials while the organic materials have some privileges. However, organic petroleum-based PCMs have undesirable effects on the environment, urging scientists to study environmentally friendly bio-based phase change material (Bio-PCMs). The current review focuses on the application of bio-based phase change materials for effective heat management in integrated systems. Application of Bio-PCMs in the heating and cooling of the building, including the passive methods by integrating PCM in building material or the active strategies by implying the PCMs in heating and cooling systems and providing the domestic hot water coupled with the solar systems were reviewed. Other applications of Bio-PCMs, such as thermo-sensitive drug delivery, body temperature control in PCM-implemented textiles and clothes, electronic cooling, freezing food, and cold chain transportation, were studied.

Automated summary

The sudden rise in gas and oil prices due to political issues, along with the need to reduce CO2 emissions to almost zero by 2050, has prompted scientists to propose renewable and sustainable strategies to replace fossil fuel sources or decrease energy demand. Utilizing thermal energy storage combined with renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, is a popular approach in reducing peak energy demands. Phase change materials (PCMs), especially bio-based ones, have been studied for their application in various fields such as building heating and cooling, drug delivery, and electronic cooling.