Curbing global warming with phase change materials for energy storage
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Abstract
The application of thermal energy storage (TES) system with phase change material (PCM) is an effective way for energy conservation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. Global warming is increasing along with the energy consumption. Many researchers are concerned about this present global environmental problem for fossil-fuel burning. Thermal energy storage system with phase change material is observed as a potential candidate for mitigating this problem. This paper emphasizes the opportunities for energy savings and greenhouse-gas emissions reduction with the implementation of PCM in TES systems. For instance, about 3.43 of CO 2 emission by 2020 could be reduced through the application of PCM in building and solar thermal power systems. Similarly, energy conservation and GHGs emission reduction by other PCM applications for thermal comfort of vehicles, transport refrigeration, engine cold start, greenhouse and waste heat management are also presented. In addition, some present investigations on the performance improvement of the phase change materials are addressed.
Keywords
Energy saving, Fossil fuel consumption, Greenhouse gas emission, Phase change material, Thermal energy storage.
Divisions
fac_eng
Publication Title
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume
18
Publisher
Elsevier
Additional Information
Export Date: 6 December 2012 Source: Scopus Article in Press CODEN: RSERF Language of Original Document: English Correspondence Address: Saidur, R.; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiaemail: saidur@um.edu.my