At this moment, the global energy consumption in buildings is around 40% of the total energy consumption in developed countries. Thermal energy storage (TES) is presented as one way to address this energy-related problem proposing an alternative to reduce the gap between energy supply and energy...

Solar energy can be efficiently used if thermal energy storage systems are accordingly designed to match availability and demand. Thermal energy storage by thermochemical materials (TCM) is very attractive since these materials present a high storage density. Therefore, compact systems can be...

In recent years, thermal energy storage (TES) systems using phase change materials (PCM) have been widely studied and developed to be applied as solar energy storage units for residential heating and cooling. These systems performance is based on the latent heat due to PCM phase change, a high...

Phase change materials (PCM) are able to store thermal energy when becoming liquid and to release it when solidifying. Latent heat storage has gained importance due the applications towards increasing energy efficiency in several systems. Thus, a correct and accurate thermal characterization of...

The use of thermal energy storage by phase change materials (PCM) is increasing in interest for building applications. For the deployment of the technology, appropriate characterization of PCM and hybrid PCM is essential, but it is not always possible to carry it out with conventional equipment,...

Energy use in buildings accounts for 38% of global total final energy consumption, 45% of which in OECD countries. According to the International Energy Agency the continuing demand for new large and small appliances, often with new functionality, is resulting in rapidly increasing electricity...

This paper presents a review of the literature on low carbon and low embodied energy materials in buildings. Embodied energy is defined and discussed vs. operating energy of buildings and its growing importance due to the implementation of the Energy Building Performance Directive (EBPD) in...

Thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCM) can be used for load shaving or peak load shifting when coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system such as heat pump. In these systems the PCM is embedded in packages or used in bulk, so the compatibility...

The energy demand by the private sector for buildings HVAC systems has increased significantly, driving the scientific community to find different alternatives to reduce this high energy demand. Phase change materials (PCMs) are presented as materials with high thermal energy storage (TES)...

Transport and storage of low temperature sensitive products is an issue worldwide due to changes of the lifestyle and population increase. In the recent years, thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) is being highly studied and developed for cold storage applications....