TY - JOUR
TI - A review of the application of solid-liquid phase change materials in water heaters
AU - Wang Chao
AU - Jia Xiaoya
AU - Zhao Peng
AU - Wang Liangbing
AU - Shi Liming
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2024
VL - 28
IS - 1
SP - 409
EP - 424
PT - Article
AB - This paper reviews the stability, heat transfer efficiency and photothermal conversion efficiency optimization studies of solid-liquid phase change materials (PCM) applied to water heaters. Suggestions and prospects were proposed. The study shows that the solid-liquid PCM are mostly filled in the water tank, thermal storage devices or solar thermal collector heater system with paraffin wax, and the addition of solid-liquid PCM can significantly improve the water heater performance. Further in-depth research is needed on PCM dosage and system economics of their application in heat pump water heaters, and the application of photothermal conversion PCM in solar water heater systems.