Phase change materials (PCMs) having a large latent heat during solid-liquid phase transition are promising for thermal energy storage applications. However, the relatively low thermal conductivity of the majority of promising PCMs (<10 W/(m ⋅ K)) limits the power density and overall storage efficiency. Developing pure or composite PCMs with high heat capacity and cooling power, engineering effective thermal storage devices, and optimizing system integration have long been desired. Our perspective outlines the needs for better understanding of multi-physics phase change phenomena, engineering PCMs for better overall transport and thermodynamic properties, co-optimizing device design, and integrating PCMs with potential applications. We start by covering the heat transfer fundamentals of PCMs. We then discuss PCM property characterization and need for materials design. We conclude by discussing higher-level device design and integration principles, as well as emerging applications and requirements. We also identify future research opportunities for PCM in thermal energy storage.

在固液相变过程中具有大潜热的相变材料 (PCM) 有望用于热能存储应用。然而，大多数有前途的 PCM (<10 W/(m ⋅ K)) 的热导率相对较低，限制了功率密度和整体存储效率。长期以来，人们一直希望开发具有高热容量和冷却能力的纯或复合相变材料、设计有效的蓄热装置以及优化系统集成。我们的观点概述了更好地理解多物理场相变现象、工程 PCM 以获得更好的整体传输和热力学特性、协同优化设备设计以及将 PCM 与潜在应用集成的需求。我们首先介绍 PCM 的传热基础。然后我们讨论 PCM 特性表征和材料设计的需要。我们最后讨论了更高级别的设备设计和集成原则，以及新兴的应用程序和要求。我们还确定了 PCM 在热能存储方面的未来研究机会。