A Review of Recent Improvements, Developments, Effects, and Challenges on Using Phase-Change Materials in Concrete for Thermal Energy Storage and Release

Abstract

Most concrete employs organic phase change materials (PCMs), although there are different types available for more specialised use. Organic PCMs are the material of choice for concrete due to their greater heat of fusion and lower cost in comparison to other PCMs. Phase transition materials are an example of latent heat storage materials (LHSMs) that may store or release thermal energy at certain temperatures. A phase transition occurs when a solid material changes from a solid state to a liquid state and back again when heat is added or removed. It is common knowledge that adding anything to concrete, including PCMs, will affect its performance. The goal of this review is to detail the ways in which PCMs affect certain concrete features. This overview also looks into the current challenges connected with employing PCMs in concrete. The review demonstrates a number of important findings along with the possible benefits that may pave the way for more research and broader applications of PCMs in construction. More importantly, it has been elucidated that the optimum PCM integrated percentage of 40% has doubled the quantity of thermal energy stored and released in concrete. Compared to conventional concrete, the macro-encapsulated PCMs showed thermal dependability, chemical compatibility, and thermal stability due to delaying temperature peaks. Furthermore, the maximum indoor temperature decreases by 1.85 °C and 3.76 °C in the test room due to the addition of 15% and 30% PCM composite, respectively. Last but not least, incorporating microencapsulated PCM has shown a positive effect on preventing freeze-thaw damage to concrete roads.

Investigations of phase change materials in battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles: a review

“…PCM cooling faces challenges due to low thermal conductivity, typically ranging from 0.2 to 2 Wk −1 m −1 , which hinders efficient heat transfer. Additionally, during PCM melting, heat accumulation occurs, causing temperature spikes [14]. These issues can lead to temperature fluctuations of 5 °C-10 °C within the system.…”

“…Alternative approaches involve the use of advanced materials with improved thermal properties or integrating multiple PCMs with varying phase change temperatures to provide continuous cooling over a wider temperature range. Addressingthese challenges is crucial for maintaining the performance and safety of PCM-based cooling systems in demanding operationalenvironments [14].…”

Comparative Investigation of Thermal Properties Improvement of Nano-Enhanced Organic Phase Change Materials

“…This review investigated the experimental and numerical investigations of the heat transfer properties using PCM, factors influencing the TC, nanoparticle inclusion, and encapsulation of PCMs. The same authors reviewed the recent developments and challenges of using PCMs in concrete for TES and utilization [10]. Pereira et al [11] presented an overview of thermal energy harvesting using NEPCMs.…”

Recent Advances and Developments in Phase Change Materials in High-Temperature Building Envelopes: A Review of Solutions and Challenges

“…Incorporating PCMs into the envelope of a building has gained popularity as a means of reducing a building's energy use in recent years. Increases in both energy efficiency and thermal comfort have been shown with this expanding technology, making it a desirable building energy solution [1][2][3]. Buildings that use PCMs, a rapidly expanding technology, must consider several associated factors that affect the overall energy consumption, including research into new types of PCMs, their effective location inside the envelope, the ideal amount, the manner of integration, and the best passive/active approach to be practically used.…”