Phase change materials based thermal energy storage for solar energy systems

This manuscript discusses one of the proposed methods for storing solar energy. Applications of PCMs, mono and binary nanofluids and molten salts as storage materials in solar energy are the major important techniques explained. A summary of various other solar energy storage materials that are currently under application is also presented. This paper overlooks the most current research in this specific field through the main focus of measuring absorption efficiency and effects of different particles on it with changed concentration and assessing thermophysical and storage properties of discussed materials. Presented studies expressed extraordinary efficiency enhancement and other outcomes of these materials. However, there are many problems associated with these materials that hindered their commercialization. These major problems include high costs, corrosion and erosion, pressure drop and friction factor appreciation and instability are also discussed.