Rapid charging and discharging strategies for latent heat storage

Abstract

Latent heat storage (LHS) technology has emerged as a critical enabler for achieving carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability. A fundamental challenge limiting its widespread adoption stems from the inherently low thermal conductivity of most phase change materials (PCMs), which severely restricts the heat charging/discharging rates of LHS systems. This review comprehensively examines rapid heat charging and discharging technologies, introducing an innovative classification of PCMs into stabilized and dynamic types based on their phase-change mode and motion state. It systematically analyzes performance enhancement strategies, including traditional, bionic, combined, and externally driven methods for stabilized PCMs, as well as advanced external force-driven enhancement techniques and underlying heat transfer mechanisms for dynamic PCMs. Beyond summarizing current technological developments, this review highlights the current challenges and future prospects for LHS technologies, providing actionable insights for engineering applications. Ultimately, this review intends to stimulate extensive research interests in heat storage and utilization and to offer constructive references for exploring advanced rapid charging and discharging technologies to facilitate major breakthroughs in both basic research and commercial applications.