Phase change thermal energy storage : The experience of the materials preparation for the specific applications

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 for phase change materials in an increasingly growing field, which is protection of the environment through energy saving, use of renewable energy sources, especially solar, raising the efficiency of equipment and technologies in the industry, construction and transport. Main potential possibilities of using PCM materials are as follows: accumulation heat from the solar collectors and other renewable sources, the accumulation of heat in structural elements of buildings, the food industry. Therefore the applications of the PCM are of promising perspectives, especially in some climate regions. In the present paper, the experience of phase change material use for the specific applications and the results of its thermophysical properties examination are presented.