Microencapsulated phase change materials as slurries for thermal energy storage: A review

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCM) have the potential to store and release large amounts of thermal energy by undergoing phase transitions from solid to liquid. The microencapsulation technique improves chemical stability and enhances the thermal properties of PCMs, thereby implement these materials for a wide range for applications. The dispersion of these materials into a base fluid (carrier fluid) results in a microencapsulated phase change material slurry. The slurry being in a state of flow can store and release energy with minimal temperature rise. This paper reviews the methods available for slurry preparation and discusses the techniques of characterization. In further, the applications of these slurries in the fields of thermal energy storage are also presented.