Preface

The development of thermal appliances and equipment that make use of non-conventional energy sources is currently receiving a significant amount of focus within the realm of thermal energy research. The ability to store thermal energy is a fundamental prerequisite for such applications. When it comes to thermal energy storage (TES), the use of phase change material (PCM) for latent heat storage is more desirable than sensible heat storage. This is due to its potential to store a large amount of energy for a given volume at a reduced temperature swing. Other reasons include its compactness, uniform energy storage, and delivery, and temperature swings.

This book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of PCMs and their current applications. It begins with a discussion of the basic concept of phase-change energy storage and the categorization of phase-change energy materials. Next, the book explores the essential features that influence the use of PCMs, followed by an in-depth discussion of the techniques for the thermal analysis of PCM. Other topics addressed include recent uses of PCMs in electronic cooling, battery thermal management, and textile and solar energy conversion.

Section 1 provides a brief introduction to PCMs and the different techniques used to enhance their thermal performance. Section 2 discusses the design of a heat exchanger that is based on latent heat as well as methods for conducting thermal analysis of PCMs. Section 3 discusses the application of PCMs in battery thermal management. Section 4 explores the use of PCMs to cool electronic devices and Section 5 discusses the applications of PCMs in the textile industry. Section 6 focuses on other recent applications of PCMs.

I would like to express my thanks to IntechOpen for the care and attention it has shown in publishing this book on schedule.

> **Manish Rathod** Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, India

**1**

Section 1

Introduction to Phase Change

Material

Section 1
