Phase change solar container materials small scale

This paper focuses on evaluating and selection of suitable locally available phase change materials (PCM) for storing solar thermal energy for small scale applications such as household thermal uses as well as possible village-based (kilo-watt-size) solar thermal power. This necessitates larger amounts of material for higher energy storage and makes the system inefficient for small-scale applications. On the larger scale, however, significant improvements in working fluid characteristics have been achieved via conductivity enhancements such as multi-wall carbon. Efficient storage of heat energy is a crucial challenge in solar thermal applications. Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained prominence due to their unique ability to store and release thermal energy through phase transition. The advantageous characteristic of PCMs is their low melting point. This paper focuses on choosing an appropriate phase change material for latent heat storing systems that can store excess energy of a small scale solar thermal power plant suitable for distributed or off grid power supply. Most commercially available thermal storage materials cater for Mega Watt. To store renewable energy, superior thermal properties of advanced materials such as phase change materials are essentially required to enhance maximum utilization of solar energy and for improvement of energy and exergy efficiency of the solar absorbing system. This chapter deals with basics of. Phase change materials (PCMs) are suitable for various solar energy systems for prolonged heat energy retaining, as solar radiation is sporadic. This literature review presents the application of the PCM in solar thermal power plants, solar desalination, solar cooker, solar air heater, and solar.