Phase Change Materials in Cooling Systems: A Sustainable Approach to Thermal Management

Abstract

Recently, energy efficient solutions to conventional cooling methods were provided by the utilization of Phase Change Materials (PCMs). PCMs exploit the latent heat properties to absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions, thus being good heat affecters in terms of temperature control in numerous applications. This paper investigates the possible integration of PCMs in cooling systems that have the potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings, electronic devices, and industrial process, as well as increase heat storage energy and reduce temperature fluctuation. A range of types of PCMs, including organic, inorganic, and eutectic, is explored with regard to their thermal properties, their advantages, and their challenges in applied systems. In this study, the principles of thermal management in regard to PCM, conduction, convection, and radiation mechanisms that determine the performance of PCM are elaborated. Discussion of the benefits of PCMs in active and passive cooling systems are provided, and attention is placed on reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling and on reducing carbon footprints. Low thermal conductivity, stability concerns and cost implications of a PCM are analyzed, an introduction to new solutions like nano enhanced PCMs and composite materials, is provided. Examples of PCM application in building cooling, battery thermal management and electronic cooling show huge efficiency improvement, especially in operations. Research directions for future are suggested to be advances in material science, machine learning based optimization, and the hybrid cooling technologies to achieve better performance of PCM. Proper addressing of existing limitations and utilizing innovative engineering strategies, PCMs can make a significant contribution to energy efficient cooling solutions in realizing global sustainability goals, and mitigation of climate change.