Nanostructures encapsulated phase change materials for sustained thermal energy storage in concrete: an overall assessment

Abstract

In most developed countries, over fifty percent of the residential energy is consumed annually for space heating and air conditioning. Presently, the worldwide requirement is to reduce CO2 emission and energy demand in the Clean built environment (CBE). This prompted the construction sector to explore innovative solutions and novel building concepts to achieve the CBE. Nanostructures encapsulated PCMs (NE-PCMs) have been focused to reduce the energy demand of new residential buildings and to improve the thermal comfort. These NE-CPMs are believed to be prospective in the future energy system. In this view, present communication overviewed the concept of concrete that exploits Phase change materials (PCMs) heat energy storing ability in buildings design. Furthermore, available Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies based on NE-PCMs and their stringent requirements such as elevated density and thermal conductivity, high efficiency, large heat capacity, and prominent flexibility were evaluated.