
One of the numerous TES technologies that is garnering a lot of attention is reversible latent heat storage based on phase change materials (PCMs), which offers the advantages of high energy storage density and small temperature swings. (1,2) Over the past few decades, researchers have developed three generations of PCMs with an enthalpy range from 50 J/g to 400 J/g, ranging from plastic crystals to molten salts. (3−6) Their properties have been promoted for applications in photo-thermal conversion, electro-thermal conversion, and thermal management. (2−4) Due to the inherent benefit of latent heat capacity, the thermal storage density of PCMs makes them one of the highest technologies among thermal storage systems. [pdf]

Recent advances and challenges associated with electrification (photovoltaics and wind), high-power-density electronic devices and machines, electrified transportation, energy conversion, and building air conditioning have re-invigorated interest in PCM thermal storage.1, 2, 3 Thermal storage using a PCM can buffer transient heat loads, balance generation and demand of renewable energy, store grid-scale energy, recover waste heat,4 and help achieve carbon neutrality.5 Compared with other energy storage methods such as electrochemical batteries, PCMs are attractive for their relatively low cost and ease of integration with readily available energy resources such as solar power.6,7 [pdf]
We also identify future research opportunities for PCM in thermal energy storage. Solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) have been studied for decades, with application to thermal management and energy storage due to the large latent heat with a relatively low temperature or volume change.
PCMs are energy storage materials that have considerably higher TES densities than sensible heat storage materials and are able to absorb or release large quantities of energy at a constant temperature by undergoing a phase change [ 12 ].
In this paper, a comprehensive review has been carried out on PCM microcapsules for thermal energy storage. Five aspects have been discussed in this review: classification of PCMs, encapsulation shell materials, microencapsulation techniques, PCM microcapsules’ characterizations, and thermal applications.
Thermal storage using PCMs has a wide range of applications, ranging from small-scale electronic devices (∼1 mm), to medium-scale building energy thermal storage (∼1 m), to large-scale concentrated solar power generation (∼100 m).
Figure 1 B is a schematic of a PCM storing heat from a heat source and transferring heat to a heat sink. The PCM consists of a composite Field’s metal having a large volumetric latent heat (≈315 MJ/m 3) and a copper (Cu) conductor having a high thermal conductivity (≈384 W/ (m ⋅ K)), to enable both high energy density and cooling power.
The quantification of system-level costs and benefits using thermo-economic analysis has the potential to promote PCM thermal storage techniques to a variety of broad applications. Moreover, the investigation of energy and environment policy in a country or region has the potential to avoid risks or to cater to local thermal storage development.

What are the application areas of energy storage technology?1. RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION The integration of renewable energy sources into existing infrastructure presents both opportunities and challenges. . 2. GRID STABILITY AND MANAGEMENT A stable power grid is vital for maintaining the consistent delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. . 3. ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPORT . 4. BACKUP POWER SOLUTIONS . [pdf]
The energy storage system applications are classified into two major categories: applications in power grids with and without RE systems and applications in detached electrification support. This section presents an extensive discussion of the applications of various ESS.
Pb-A is a popular choice of energy storage as a backup power supply in a range of kW to tens of MWs for power quality, UPS, data and telecommunication system applications, grid utility application, renewable energy output smoothening, and hybrid electric vehicles application [ 13, 14 ].
Energy storage technologies can potentially address these concerns viably at different levels. This paper reviews different forms of storage technology available for grid application and classifies them on a series of merits relevant to a particular category.
It is evident from the above review that electrochemical energy storage systems (batteries) are the dominant ESTs to be used when high energy and power densities, high power range, longer discharge time, fast response time, high cycle efficiency are paramount.
Enhancing the lifespan and power output of energy storage systems should be the main emphasis of research. The focus of current energy storage system trends is on enhancing current technologies to boost their effectiveness, lower prices, and expand their flexibility to various applications.
In conclusion, energy storage systems play a crucial role in modern power grids, both with and without renewable energy integration, by addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, improving grid stability, and enabling efficient energy management.
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