Characterization Study of Phase Change Materials Destined for Thermal Energy Storage Systems: A Review

Messaoud Sandali^1,2*, Abdelghani Boubekri¹ and Djamel Mennouche^1
1University of Kasdi Merbah, Process Engineering Laboratory, Ouargla 30000, Algeria
²University of Kasdi Merbah, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Mechanical Engineering Department, Ouargla 30000, Algeria
*Corresponding Author: Messaoud Sandali, University of Kasdi Merbah, Process Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Mechanical Engineering Department, Ouargla 30000, Algeria.

Published: March 06, 2025

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Abstract  

Storage of solar energy is an important issue as solar radiation is a time-dependent energy source, i.e. has an intermittent character. Thus, the energy source and the heating demands of the systems do not match. Solar thermal energy can be stored as sensible heat (water and rock), latent heat (water/ice and salt hydrates), heat of reaction, or combination of these. Parameters including storage period required, economic viability or operating conditions are effective on selection of these methods [1].

The use of solar energy in drying is becoming an important and viable alternative since it decreases consumption of conventional energy, and improves production efficiency. Solar drying helps to overcome the inherent disadvantage of open sun drying i.e. it protects the product from unpredicted rain, wind-borne dirt and dust, Infestation by insects, rodents etc... Using a solar dryer, the drying time can be shortened by about 65% compared to the open sun drying because the efficiency of dryer is higher, and its payback period ranges from 2~4 years depending on the rate of utilization [2].

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