Recent advances of low-temperature cascade phase change energy storage technology: A state-of-the-art review

From the perspective of the system, cascade phase change energy storage (CPCES) technology provides a promising solution. Numerous studies have thoroughly investigated the critical parameters of the energy storage process in the CPCES system, but there is still a lack of relevant discussion on the current status and bottlenecks of this technology. Therefore, in this paper, 133 papers up to 2023 have been analyzed and visualized to indicate the tendency of CPCES technology. It has been revealed that the CPCES system can ensure the ratio of latent and sensible energy stored in each layer of phase change materials maintains about 2.5, which effectively improves the energy storage efficiency. Accordingly, this paper analyzes the energy, exergy, and entransy dissipation of the CPCES system to figure out the most capable method. The influence of various parameters on the performance of the CPCES system is thoroughly investigated, and a range of recommended values are provided for subsequent studies. Moreover, the economics of CPCES systems is analyzed concerning the characteristics of typical CPCES applications, and the applicability of the technology is revealed. Finally, the ongoing trials that CPCES technology will meet are identified, together with a discussion of trends and opportunities for how to address the challenges. This review provides valuable guidance for future research, development, and innovation of CPCES systems and is expected to attract more attention from researchers and scholars to the provision of advanced CPCES technology. •The systematic research and analysis of CPCES technology are elaborated.•Theoretical, simulation, and experimental studies of CPCES technology are summarized.•The pros and cons of the typical CHTES system are presented.•The influence of relevant parameters on CPCES configuration is depicted.•The existing challenges and future insights for CPCES technology are discussed.