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21 articles for “Latent heat storage”
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CFD Analysis: Double Pipe Heat Exchanger, Latent Heat Storage, and BIM-CFD Integration
Abstract: This is a review work covering four research papers. Heat exchangers transport thermal energy across fluids; research in SolidWorks 2014 compared flow simulation to the effectiveness-NTU approach. Slow PCM charging/discharging is a global concern in latent heat storage; research on the influence of flow rate and temperature on melting and solidification durations discovered efficiency in a triple tube heat exchanger design. Advances in computational fluid dynamics for forecasting separated flows …
Published in International Journal of Electrical Machine Analysis and Design · Vol. 2, Issue 2, 2024 · pp. 19–24 Read article
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Comprehensive Thermal and Environmental Investigation of An Enhanced Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heater with Wavy Tape and Latent Heat Storage
Abstract: Evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSCs) are widely used for thermal energy applications; however, enhancing their thermal and exergetic efficiency remains a challenge. This study investigates performance enhancements through structural and material alterations. Four ETSC cases were tested experimentally, case-1: a standard ETSC, case-2: Wavy tape (WT) inserted ETSC, case-3: Phase change material (PCM) integrated ETSC, and case-4: Dual-Enhanced ETSC (PCM + WT). A binary eutectic PCM was utilized for latent …
Published in Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation · Vol. 12, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 1–16 Read article
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Comparative Analysis of 3D-Printed and Molded Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Composites
Abstract: Thermal energy storage (TES) has become essential for efficiently storing and utilizing thermal energy across applications like industrial heating, power plants, batteries, medical devices, food preservation, and aerospace technology. Because of their high energy density, affordability, and environmental friendliness, phase change materials, or PCMs, are employed extensively. However, challenges like poor thermal conductivity and leakage limit their performance. To address these issues, 3D printing has emerged as a powerful tool …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 184–192 Read article
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Polymeric Hybrid Systems Engineered with Multiple-Stage Energy Absorption for Temperature Control
Abstract: Polymer–composite based phase change systems offer an effective strategy for adaptive thermal management; however, most existing systems exhibit single-stage latent heat transitions, limiting their applicability in environments with fluctuating thermal loads. In this study, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer matrix was reinforced with two microencapsulated paraffin-based phase change materials (PCM-A and PCM-B) to achieve multi-level latent heat storage behavior. The fabricated TPU/PCM-A10–B20 polymer–composite demonstrated two distinct endothermic transitions at approximately …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 146–155 Read article
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Smart Biopolymer–PCM Composite Modules with Embedded Wireless Thermal Sensing for Autonomous Energy Storage Applications
Abstract: The development of multifunctional polymer composite systems for intelligent thermal energy storage has gained significant attention due to the increasing demand for sustainable and autonomous thermal management technologies. In the present study, a wireless-integrated biopolymer–phase change material (PCM) composite module embedded with thermal feedback sensors was successfully fabricated and experimentally investigated for advanced thermal energy storage applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) was employed as the biodegradable polymer matrix, while paraffin wax …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 · pp. 193–205 Read article
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Performance Analysis of Graphene Reinforced Sug-ar-Alcohol Based PCM for Thermal Energy Storage System
Abstract: The thermal-conductivity of the Phase Change Materials (PCMs) of thermal heat storage systems is improved by distributing nano-particles in the basic PCM for a faster rate of heat transfer. During the charging and discharging procedures, the heat transfer properties of the newly created Sugar-Alcohol based PCM dispersed with 1.0 wt% graphene nanoparticles in a shell and helical tube storage tank were examined. The helical tube configuration caused the melting and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 133–147 Read article
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Stretchable Elastomer–PCM Composites with Bluetooth-Enabled Temperature Monitoring for Wearable Healthcare IoT Devices
Abstract: The rapid advancement of wearable healthcare technologies has created a growing demand for multifunctional polymer composites capable of simultaneously providing mechanical flexibility, thermal energy management, electrical conductivity, sensing capability, and wireless communication. In this study, a stretchable elastomer-based polymer composite integrated with a phase-change material and a Bluetooth Low Energy temperature monitoring system was developed for wearable healthcare Internet-of-Things applications. The polymer composite was fabricated using an Ecoflex silicone elastomer …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 · pp. 241–257 Read article
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Advancements and Emerging Trends in Thermal Energy Storage Technologies for Sustainable Energy Systems
Abstract: Rising global energy demand and environmental concerns have led researchers to investigate renewable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels. Solar and wind power have emerged as key players in the transition to more sustainable energy systems. Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies are critical to addressing the variability of renewable energies, allowing for a better management of energy, improved reliability, etc. This paper analyses the recent advances in the field …
Published in International Journal of Electrical Machine Analysis and Design · Vol. 3, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 07–17 Read article
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Investigations of A Solar Dryer With Thermal Storage
Abstract: This study presents the design, building, and performance evaluation of a low-cost mixed-mode natural convection solar cabinet dryer in conjunction with a latent heat thermal energy storage system. The work's goal is to reduce post-harvest losses in rural and semi-urban areas by offering an effective and reasonably priced method of preserving agricultural goods. The dryer is made out of a transparent polycarbonate lid to allow for solar heat gain, an …
Published in Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation · Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2026 Read article
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Digitally Tunable Dual-Phase Polymer–PCM Composites for IoT-Based Adaptive Thermal Management in Smart Buildings
Abstract: This study presents the design and development of digitally tunable dual-phase polymer–phase change material (PCM) composites for advanced thermal management in smart building applications. The composite is based on a hybrid polymer matrix comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel, reinforced with paraffin microencapsulated PCM and hydrated salt PCM to achieve multi-stage thermal energy storage. The polymer composite architecture enables enhanced structural integrity, high encapsulation efficiency …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 147–157 Read article
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Thermal Conductivity and Energy Storage Performance of Paraffin Wax-Based Composites Reinforced with Amine Functionalized Graphene as a Nanofiller
Abstract: In this study, amine-functionalized graphene (AFG) was employed as a nanofiller/nanomaterial to enhance the thermal and structural properties of a paraffin wax (PW)-based polymeric composite, formulated as a phase change material (PCM). The PW/AFG composite was synthesized with varying nanofiller volume fractions (0.20%, 0.40%, 0.80%, and 1.60%), and its thermal conductivity, stability, and energy storage performance were systematically analyzed. The incorporation of AFG into the polymer matrix significantly improved the …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 355–374 Read article
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Stretchable Elastomer–Phase Change Composites for Passive Thermal Management in Wearable Electronics
Abstract: Elastomer-embedded phase change material (EPCM) composites are developed as stretchable, leakage-free, and electrically insulating thermal regulation layers for wearable electronics operating under stringent skin-safety requirements. The EPCM architecture comprises microencapsulated organic phase change materials (μPCM, 30–70 wt%) uniformly dispersed within soft elastomer matrices based on PDMS or SEBS-type thermoplastic elastomers, together with low loadings (1–8 wt%) of electrically insulating hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) fillers to enhance lateral heat transport. Differential …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 30–41 Read article
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Thermally Regulated Polymer-PCM Composites for Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting and Storage
Abstract: This study investigates the development of high-performance; shape-stabilized polymer composites infused with phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage in solar energy applications. Polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) was employed as the core PCM due to its high latent heat and suitable melting point, while high-density polyethylene (HDPE) served as the supporting polymer matrix to provide structural stability. One of the primary limitations of PEG-based PCMs is their inherently low thermal …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2025 · pp. 153–163 Read article
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Nano-Silica Reinforced Crosslinked Biopolymer–PCM Composites for Improved Thermal Cycling Durability
Abstract: Crosslinked biopolymer–PCM composites reinforced with nano-silica were developed to enhance thermal cycling durability, leakage resistance, and structural stability for advanced thermal energy storage applications. A starch-based biopolymer was chemically crosslinked using citric acid to create a stable polymer network, while paraffin was employed as the phase-change medium and nano-silica (1–4 wt%) served as a multifunctional inorganic reinforcement. FTIR analysis confirmed successful esterification between citric acid and the polymer backbone, indicated …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–10 Read article
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Polymer–Gel Composite Phase Change Materials: A Functional Polymer Composite Approach for Solar-Thermal Energy Storage in Building Facades
Abstract: This study investigates polymer–composite phase change materials (PCMs) in the form of polymer–gel hybrids as multifunctional systems for solar–thermal energy storage in building façades. Paraffin- and PEG-based PCMs were embedded into polyurethane and acrylic gel matrices to create shape-stabilized polymer–composites with high PCM loading (70–80 wt%). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed distinct melting/freezing transitions at ~56°C (paraffin) and ~42°C (PEG), with enthalpy values of 120–150 J/g, closely matching theoretical predictions, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 36–51 Read article
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Exploration of Advanced Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage in Renewable Energy Systems: An Overview
Abstract: Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are increasingly vital for improving thermal energy storage (TES) systems. Their ability to absorb and release heat efficiently makes them ideal for renewable energy applications, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable energy solutions across various sectors like solar power and building temperature regulation. Their ability to store and release latent heat during phase transitions makes them ideal for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy …
Published in Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications · Vol. 12, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 10–14 Read article
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Bio-inspired Thermo-responsive and Self-Healing Polymer–PCM Hybrids for Next-Generation Smart Textile Applications
Abstract: The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into flexible polymers represents a promising strategy for developing smart textiles with advanced thermal regulation and mechanical adaptability. However, the challenges of PCM leakage, poor mechanical strength, and durability under cyclic stress have limited their practical applications. In this study, we present a novel self-healing and elastic composite based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) incorporating 30 wt% microencapsulated PCM (mPCM) and dynamic disulfide bonds …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2025 · pp. 228–238 Read article
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Enhancing Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Polymer-Based Phase Change Materials with Graphite Nanoplatelets: A High-Efficiency Approach for Energy Storage Applications
Abstract: This study explores the performance enhancement and characterization of polymer-based phase change material (PCM) composites reinforced with graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) for thermal management applications. The integration of GNPs significantly improved thermal conductivity, which increased from 0.38 W/m·K in pure PCM to 2.60 W/m·K with 10 wt% GNPs, marking a 580% improvement. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed a reduction in latent heat capacity from 180 J/g to 150 J/g—approximately 16.7%—attributed …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 150–162 Read article
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Solar Thermal Energy Utilization: Design Innovations and Performance Enhancement Techniques
Abstract: The utilization of solar thermal energy has become increasingly significant in the pursuit of sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions. Unlike photovoltaic technologies that directly convert sunlight into electricity, solar thermal systems focus on harnessing solar radiation to generate heat, which can then be applied to diverse sectors such as water heating, space conditioning, industrial process heating, and power generation. In recent years, substantial research efforts have been directed toward enhancing …
Published in International Journal of Energy and Thermal Applications · Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 1–5 Read article
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IoT-Enabled Polymer–Gel PCM Composites for Intelligent Thermal Management in Solar Facade Applications
Abstract: The present study investigates the development of a multifunctional polymer–gel phase change composite designed for solar façade applications with integrated real-time thermal monitoring capability. A crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol–borax matrix was employed as a three-dimensional polymer scaffold to encapsulate paraffin-based phase change material, ensuring leakage-free operation and structural integrity under repeated thermal cycling. Graphite nanoplatelets were incorporated as thermally conductive nano-fillers to enhance heat transfer through the polymer composite via percolation-driven …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 99–111 Read article