Thermal energy storage using phase change materials (PCMs) has been identified as a potential solution to achieve considerable energy savings in greenhouse heating/cooling. This review investigates the latest technological advancements in greenhouse heating/cooling systems integrated with PCMs.
A thorough literature investigation into the use of phase change materials for energy saving and management in greenhouses was carried out. The related studies were classified in three most-used phase change material groups based on salt hydrates, paraffins and polyethylene glycol.
PCMs play a substantial role in energy storage for solar thermal applications and renewable energy sources integration. High thermal storage density with a moderate temperature variation can be attained by phase change materials (PCMs). Considerable research has been carried out for energy storage to achieve better efficiency and performance.
INTRODUCTION Phase change materials (PCMs) are able theoretically to change state at constant temperature and therefore store large quantities of energy. They are of some superiority over sensible heat storage materials such as very high heat of fusion relative to specific heat thus requiring smaller container volumes.
The study carried out here gives the results of a thorough literature investigation into the use of PCMs in greenhouses aimed at conserving energy.