Preparation and heat transfer characteristics of microencapsulated phase change material slurry: A review

Microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) have been recognized as effective materials to enhance heat transfer, and to improve heat storage performance in thermal energy system. Microencapsulated phase change material slurry (MPCS) can apply to heat transport and thermal energy storage systems. In order to fully develop the application of MPCS in thermal energy system, more researches on preparation and characteristics of MPCS have been done. This paper presents a review on microencapsulation methods and thermal characteristics of MPCS. It focuses on the thermal properties and heat transfer characteristics of MPCS flowing in horizontal circular pipe. Some phase change materials and microencapsulation methods are analyzed and discussed. Theoretical models for analyzing heat transfer characteristics of MPCS flowing in the pipe are presented. Several factors affecting the heat transfer characteristics of MPCS are also summarized.