Solar thermal energy storage in phase change materials

This paper describes the thermophysical properties and thermal behavior of the phase change materials (PCMs) that have been identified as potential materials for solar thermal energy storage applications. PCMs that undergo solid-liquid and solid-solid phase transformation have been described. PCMs which include salt hydrates, paraffins, non-paraffins, eutectics of inorganic and/or organic compounds, and polyalcohols are discussed. The containment requirement for these PCMs are also described in this paper. 18 refs.