A comprehensive review of micro/nano-encapsulated phase change material-based fluids: Modeling, properties, and heat transfer enhancement

Abstract

Micro and Nano-encapsulated Phase Change Materials (M/N-ePCM) based fluids have garnered significant attention due to their dual benefit of high energy storage capacity and thermal performance. These distinctive properties have prompted numerous numerical research studies exploring their potential as an alternative to conventional heat transfer fluids. To accurately predict their behavior, enhance their performance, and optimize their use, this review, unlike previous studies, provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematical models developed to describe the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of M/N-ePCM-based fluids, including single-phase and two-phase approaches. It critically evaluates the predictive accuracy of existing theoretical models against experimental data on M/N-ePCM-based fluids and M/N-ePCM-based fluids highlights the latest advancements in convective heat transferM/N-ePCM-based fluids, offering a more integrated and detailed perspective on M/N-ePCM performance. The review highlights several key findings. Firstly, the effectiveness of M/N-ePCMs in thermal applications is strongly dependent on their thermophysical and phase change properties. Identifying the optimal shell-to-core weight ratios is essential for enhancing these properties. Additionally, there are significant discrepancies between experimental and predicted data for the thermophysical and phase change properties of M/N-ePCM-based fluids. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of the convective heat transfer behavior of M/N-ePCM-based fluids requires exploring a broader variety of shell and core materials.