A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems
Over the past few years, the combination of solar power with refrigeration technology has matured, providing a promising solution for sustainable cooling. However, a key challenge remains, namely the inherent intermittency of solar energy. Due to its uneven temporal distribution, it is difficult to...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/6/1547 |
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| author | Yali Guo Chufan Liang Hui Liu Luyuan Gong Minle Bao Shengqiang Shen |
| author_facet | Yali Guo Chufan Liang Hui Liu Luyuan Gong Minle Bao Shengqiang Shen |
| author_sort | Yali Guo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Over the past few years, the combination of solar power with refrigeration technology has matured, providing a promising solution for sustainable cooling. However, a key challenge remains, namely the inherent intermittency of solar energy. Due to its uneven temporal distribution, it is difficult to ensure continuous 24 h operation when relying solely on solar energy. To address this issue, thermal energy storage technology has emerged as a viable solution. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review of phase-change material (PCM) applications in solar refrigeration systems. It systematically categorizes solar energy conversion methodologies and refrigeration system configurations while elucidating the fundamental operational principles of each solar refrigeration system. A detailed examination of system components is provided, encompassing photovoltaic panels, condensers, evaporators, solar collectors, absorbers, and generators. The analysis further investigates PCM integration strategies with these components, evaluating integration effectiveness and criteria for PCM selection. The critical physical parameters of PCMs are comparatively analyzed, including phase transition temperature, latent heat capacity, specific heat, density, and thermal conductivity. Through conducting a critical analysis of existing studies, this review comprehensively evaluates current research progress within PCM integration techniques, methodological classification frameworks, performance enhancement approaches, and system-level implementation within solar refrigeration systems. The investigation concludes by presenting strategic recommendations for future research priorities based on a comprehensive systematic evaluation of technological challenges and knowledge gaps within the domain. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8ee6cac4e1494705a896b389d42f6bf8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-8ee6cac4e1494705a896b389d42f6bf82025-08-20T03:43:37ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-03-01186154710.3390/en18061547A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration SystemsYali Guo0Chufan Liang1Hui Liu2Luyuan Gong3Minle Bao4Shengqiang Shen5Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, ChinaKey Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, ChinaKey Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, ChinaKey Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, ChinaKey Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, ChinaKey Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, ChinaOver the past few years, the combination of solar power with refrigeration technology has matured, providing a promising solution for sustainable cooling. However, a key challenge remains, namely the inherent intermittency of solar energy. Due to its uneven temporal distribution, it is difficult to ensure continuous 24 h operation when relying solely on solar energy. To address this issue, thermal energy storage technology has emerged as a viable solution. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review of phase-change material (PCM) applications in solar refrigeration systems. It systematically categorizes solar energy conversion methodologies and refrigeration system configurations while elucidating the fundamental operational principles of each solar refrigeration system. A detailed examination of system components is provided, encompassing photovoltaic panels, condensers, evaporators, solar collectors, absorbers, and generators. The analysis further investigates PCM integration strategies with these components, evaluating integration effectiveness and criteria for PCM selection. The critical physical parameters of PCMs are comparatively analyzed, including phase transition temperature, latent heat capacity, specific heat, density, and thermal conductivity. Through conducting a critical analysis of existing studies, this review comprehensively evaluates current research progress within PCM integration techniques, methodological classification frameworks, performance enhancement approaches, and system-level implementation within solar refrigeration systems. The investigation concludes by presenting strategic recommendations for future research priorities based on a comprehensive systematic evaluation of technological challenges and knowledge gaps within the domain.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/6/1547phase-change materialssolar-powered refrigerationrenewable energy integrationthermal energy storageenergy efficiency |
| spellingShingle | Yali Guo Chufan Liang Hui Liu Luyuan Gong Minle Bao Shengqiang Shen A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems Energies phase-change materials solar-powered refrigeration renewable energy integration thermal energy storage energy efficiency |
| title | A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems |
| title_full | A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems |
| title_fullStr | A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems |
| title_short | A Review on Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) in Solar-Powered Refrigeration Systems |
| title_sort | review on phase change materials pcms in solar powered refrigeration systems |
| topic | phase-change materials solar-powered refrigeration renewable energy integration thermal energy storage energy efficiency |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/6/1547 |
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