Phase change energy storage technology has the advantages of high heat storage density and constant temperature, so it has great potential for large-scale commercialization. The development of phase change materials is very important to the application of phase change energy storage technology. To solve the problems of poor heat transfer performance and easy leakage of phase change materials, extensive research has been conducted based on the heat transfer enhancement and packaging of phase change materials. The characteristics of thermal energy storage technologies are firstly compared. Then, the classification and properties of phase change materials are summarized. The progress of heat transfer and storge enhancement is discussed from the aspects of increasing heat transfer area, thermal conductivity, melting latent heat and specific heat capacity. The packaging of phase change materials is also discussed. Finally, a prospect for the future development direction of phase change energy storage is made.

phase change energy storage  /  phase change material  /  heat transfer enhancement  /  thermal conductivity  /  encapsulation