Metal foams application to enhance the thermal performance of phase change materials: A review of experimental studies to understand the mechanisms

One of the main drawbacks of Phase change materials (PCMs) is their weak heat transfer performance. Introducing open-cell metal foams (MFs) into PCM has been among the most promising and effective methods to address this known shortfall. MFs can significantly improve the thermal performance of PCMs by offering a highly conductive and sturdy structure. The composites made of PCMs and MFs have been widely studied in the literature. However, the literature lacks consistency in describing the mechanisms under which these composites thermally perform in practice. The present article tries to shed light on this matter by reviewing the experimental studies presented in the literature. In this regard and directed by the literature, both heat transfer and heat storage capabilities of the PCM-MF composites are reviewed and compared with those of pure PCMs; both conduction and convection heat transfer mechanisms inside the composites are investigated in detail; the existing methods for measuring and calculation of different composite thermophysical properties are discussed; the current gaps in the field are identified, and suggestions for further studies are provided. •Presence of metal foam weakens convection but strengthens overall heat transfer.•Thermal equilibrium assumption can be valid or invalid, depending on application.•There is no benchmark on the relations for thermophysical properties of composites.•An essential requirement for further development is Techno-economic studies.