Phase change materials (PCMs) are an efficient alternative to store and release heat at a specific range of temperature. Here PCMs and heat enhancement methodologies for PCM storage are reviewed. A short overview of PCMs and their applications is presented in addition to the progress during the last 10 years. Heat enhancement techniques, that is, extended surfaces, multiple and composite PCMs, and encapsulation techniques, are...

The worldwide growth of photovoltaics (PVs) has formed an exponential curve for more than four decades. During this period of time, PVs have evolved from a pure niche market of small-scale applications towards becoming a mainstream electricity source. The influence of temperature on the electrical parameters of crystalline silicon solar cells and solar modules is well described in the literature. In order to diminish these effects,...

Thermal energy storage and temperature stabilization is very important in many engineering applications. There are three kinds of thermal energy storage: sensible heat, latent heat and reversible chemical reaction heat. Phase change materials (PCM) absorb, store and release large amounts of energy in the form of latent heat, at constant temperature, called the transition temperature. Many innovative applications could be found...

Thermal energy storage and temperature stabilization is very important in many engineering applications. There are three kinds of thermal energy storage: sensible heat storage, latent heat storage and reversible chemical reaction heat storage. Phase change materials (PCM) absorb, store and release large amounts of energy in the form of latent heat, at constant temperature, called the transition temperature. The amount of heat...

Solar energy is widely available, free and inexhaustible. Furthermore this source of energy is the most friendly to the environment. For direct conversion of solar energy into useful forms like of electricity and thermal energy, respectively photovoltaic cells and solar collectors are being used. Forecast indicate that the first one solution will soon have a significant part in meeting the global energy demand. Therefore it is...