A REVIEW ON PHASE CHANGING MATERIAL

Abstract

Phase Changing Material based thermal energy storage (TES) systems in buildings has become a topic of conversation among the researchers in recent years. PCM base thermal energy storage system provides high thermal storage density and that too within moderate temperature variations. PCMs can be used in active and passive heating or cooling systems. PCMs have the ability to store energy and other heat gains like latent heat within a particular temperature range, reduces energy consumption and increase in thermal comfort is observed by reducing temperature fluctuations. PCM has attracted growing attention due to its various thermal-physical, kinetic, economic and environmental properties. The construction industries are responsible for consuming huge amount of energy therefore there is need for development of new materials which can reduce energy consumption and enhance thermal efficiency of the buildings. Using PCMs in construction materials have shown significant results in terms of thermal energy storage. This article summarizes previous works on thermal energy storage in buildings, types of PCM, its classification, methods of incorporation of PCM into building materials like macro encapsulation, micro encapsulation, direct incorporation and immersion, and their current applications in buildings such as PCM wallboards, PCM cement mortar and concrete etc.