Explore the vast range of titles available.

Preservation of perishable food produce is a major concern in the cold chain supply system. Development of an energy-efficient on-farm cold storage facility, hence, becomes essential. Integration of thermal storage into a vapor compression refrigeration (VCR)-driven cold room is a promising technology that can reduce power consumption and act as a thermal backup. However, designing a latent heat energy storage heat exchanger encounters challenges, such as low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) and poor heat exchanger efficiencies, leading to ineffective charging–discharging cycles. The current study investigates the effect of the integration of a Phase Change Material (PCM) in terms of the selection of the PCM, the optimal positioning of the PCM heat exchanger, and the selection of heat exchanger encapsulation material. Numerical analysis was undertaken using 3D Experience software (version: 2024x.D31.R426rel.202403212040) by creating a 3D model of a 3.4 m3 micro-cold storage unit to understand the inner temperature distribution profile. Further, the experimental setup was developed, and tests were conducted, during which the energy consumption of 1.1 kWh was recorded for the total compressor run time of 1 h. Results indicated that an improved cooling effect was achieved by positioning the PCM trays on the wall opposite the evaporator. It is seen that a temperature difference in the range of 5 to 7 °C exists between the phase change temperature of PCM and the optimal storage temperature depending on the encapsulation material. Hence, PCM selection for thermal storage applications would have an important bearing on the material and configuration of the PCM encapsulation.

Thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) is an innovative approach to meet the growth of energy demand. Microencapsulation techniques lead to overcoming some drawbacks of PCMs and enhancing their performances. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies dealing with PCMs properties and their encapsulation techniques. Thus, it is essential to critically examine the existing techniques and their compatibility with different types of PCMs, coating materials, and the area of application. The main objective of this review is to describe each microencapsulation process and to determine different factors that influence the performance of resulting microcapsules. Microencapsulation efficiency, as well as the limitation of each technique, are investigated, and optimum operating conditions of each process are highlighted. Furthermore, up-to-date studies of multifunctional PCMs microcapsules development with enhanced performances and new application directions are also presented. This review aims to be a useful guide for future researches dealing with low thermal energy storage applications of PCMs microcapsules.

Heat transfer between encapsulated PCM panels and air plays an important role in PCM-Air heat exchangers. A new design for the encapsulation panel was developed considering practical aspects such as the cost of production and ease of manufacturing, in addition to heat transfer and pressure drop. A number of encapsulated panel surfaces were first investigated via 3D CFD simulations and compared with an existing panel in use by a commercial PCM-Air heat exchanger manufacturer. After validation, 2D CFD simulations were carried out for 32 different geometries to select the most effective design, which was fabricated and tested in the laboratory. Laboratory parameters tested included heat transfer, pressure drop and melting/solidifying. The laboratory results confirmed the improvements of the new panel in comparison with the existing panel and a flat panel. It was found that the proposed design doubled the heat transfer, holds 13.7% more material and the fan can overcome the increased pressure drop.

Phase change materials (PCMs) are organic or inorganic compounds, which melt and solidify with a melting range suitable for specific applications. They have the ability to absorb and release large amounts of heat during phase transition. However, in order to use them they must be well contained to prevent them leaking out when melted. In this chapter, we discuss the most important methods of encapsulation applicable to these PCMs. These methods include microencapsulation in capsules ranging in size from nano- to micro-scale, encapsulation in porous particles or large block and binding the PCM in a polymer matrix.

HighlightsAn innovative class of versatile form-stable composite phase change materials (CPCMs) was fruitfully exploited, featuring MXene/phytic acid hybrid depositing on non-carbonized wood as a robust support.The wood-based CPCMs showcase enhanced thermal conductivity of 0.82 W m−1 K−1 (4.6 times than polyethylene glycol) as well as high latent heat of 135.5 kJ kg−1 (91.5% encapsulation) with thermal durability and stability throughout at least 200 heating and cooling cycles.The wood-based CPCMs have good solar-thermal-electricity conversion, flame-retardant, and electromagnetic shielding properties.Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising solution to address the challenges posed by intermittency and fluctuations in solar thermal utilization. However, for organic solid–liquid PCMs, issues such as leakage, low thermal conductivity, lack of efficient solar-thermal media, and flammability have constrained their broad applications. Herein, we present an innovative class of versatile composite phase change materials (CPCMs) developed through a facile and environmentally friendly synthesis approach, leveraging the inherent anisotropy and unidirectional porosity of wood aerogel (nanowood) to support polyethylene glycol (PEG). The wood modification process involves the incorporation of phytic acid (PA) and MXene hybrid structure through an evaporation-induced assembly method, which could impart non-leaking PEG filling while concurrently facilitating thermal conduction, light absorption, and flame-retardant. Consequently, the as-prepared wood-based CPCMs showcase enhanced thermal conductivity (0.82 W m−1 K−1, about 4.6 times than PEG) as well as high latent heat of 135.5 kJ kg−1 (91.5% encapsulation) with thermal durability and stability throughout at least 200 heating and cooling cycles, featuring dramatic solar-thermal conversion efficiency up to 98.58%. In addition, with the synergistic effect of phytic acid and MXene, the flame-retardant performance of the CPCMs has been significantly enhanced, showing a self-extinguishing behavior. Moreover, the excellent electromagnetic shielding of 44.45 dB was endowed to the CPCMs, relieving contemporary health hazards associated with electromagnetic waves. Overall, we capitalize on the exquisite wood cell structure with unidirectional transport inherent in the development of multifunctional CPCMs, showcasing the operational principle through a proof-of-concept prototype system.

Heat-storage materials that can be used to transition from one phase to another are known as phase change materials (PCM). This review article aims to highlight the history, iterations, and future value-adding of PCM in the sciences and engineering industries. This study discusses the many types of phase transition materials, as well as their encapsulations and applications. The study also includes findings from many experiments conducted around the world in order to offer a complete picture of overall advancement in the field of PCM.

Organic Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are derived from renewable resources such as plant oils and fatty acids. These additive functional materials are especially a sustainable alternative to inorganic PCMs. These functional materials ensure effective thermal regulation that enhances comfort in a wide range of clothing, such as active wear, thermal clothing, and home textiles. This review discusses the thermal properties of these organic PCMs, focusing on their ability to absorb, store, and release heat, thereby contributing to improved microclimates within textiles. It also analyzes various encapsulation techniques that ensure the stability and compatibility of organic PCMs when encapsulated in textiles. However, challenges remain, including issues related to the durability of these materials under repeated washing and wear, as well as the need for greater consumer awareness and acceptance of more sustainable textile innovations. This review also emphasizes the importance of technological advancements for scaling production and enhancing the commercialization of organic PCMs in textile applications. Opportunities for eco-innovation are significant, particularly in the realm of smart textiles, which can dynamically respond to environmental changes, thereby improving the wearer’s experience. It also discusses the prominent role of organic PCMs in advancing sustainability in the apparel industry while addressing consumer demands for high-performance, multifunctional clothing, thereby opening new windows for a more environmentally sustainable future in the clothing industry. Graphical abstract

Controlling the temperature of food packages during transport is needed with the rise of online shopping. During transport, food requires cold temperatures to maintain freshness. A major issue is the undesired warming of food when packages are exposed to warm temperatures on airport tarmacs and temporary unrefrigerated storage during air transportation. To solve this problem, phase change materials (PCMs) can maintain package temperature by changing their phase from liquid to solid or vice versa, to absorb or release latent heat. Although this technology is still not fully commercially viable yet, it has good potential. This article reviews all aspects of PCM packaging, including their classification, technical approaches, and commercial applications, with focus on the direct integration of PCM into food package systems. The article also provides guidelines for future research and reveals aspects that still hinder the full exploitation of PCM in the food packaging industry. To make PCM packaging commercially viable, research needs to consider aspects such as cost, consumer acceptance and confidence, regulatory aspects, e.g., labeling, and multifunctionality.

Performance enhancement of flat plate solar collectors is an endless research direction as it represents the most used solar technology. The enhancement could be achieved via design alteration, absorber-installed protrusions, and integration with thermal energy storage. The objective of the current research is to evaluate a compacted solar collector integrated with octadecane organic paraffin PCM (phase change materials) as a thermal energy storage medium. The investigations have been performed numerically utilizing ANSYS software. Thermal storage contains the PCM securely encased behind the absorbent plate of the collector in four packing containers. The investigations have been performed without thermal energy storage and with nanoencapsulated thermal energy storage at 5% and 10% volume fractions. The optimal blend for the ongoing inquiry comprises two constituents: particulate octadecane and water as the primary fluid of operation. The findings suggest that in the morning, the nano-encapsulated PCM falls somewhere in the middle, between the absorbent copper plate’s temperature and the fluid temperature flowing out of the collector. However, the collector’s heat output is insufficient to melt this thermal energy storage when its temperature drops overnight. 5% by volume of nanoparticles was determined to be the ideal concentration. While increasing the volume percentage of nanoparticles inside PCM can sometimes boost the temperature of the fluid exiting, it does not necessarily improve performance.