Containment capsule stresses for encapsulated phase change materials

► EPCM to store thermal energy is considered for concentrated solar power systems. ► Finite element analysis is used to determine stresses in a cylinder containing PCM. ► Isothermal heat transfer to PCM enables efficient energy storage maximizing exergy. ► Elastic and plastic deformation of the encapsulating cylinder are investigated. ► The effects of point forces, cracks and dents are examined.