Properties evaluation and applications of thermal energystorage materials in buildings

Thermal energy storage systems have been recognized as one of the most efficient ways to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability, and have received a growing attention in recent years. The use of phase change materials (PCMs) in building applications can not only improve the indoor thermal comfort but also enhance the energy efficiency. It has been demonstrated that for the development of a latent heat storage system in a building, the choice of the PCM and the incorporation method plays an important role in the thermal performance regulation. In this paper, the fabrication and characterization of the thermal energy storage materials including composite PCMs and microencapsulated PCMs are summarized, and applications of the thermal energy storage materials in buildings are also reviewed from the recent literatures.