Comparison of theoretical models of phase-change and sensible heat storage for air and water-based solar heating systems

The use of phase-change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage in solar heating and cooling systems has received considerable attention. The motivation for using phase-change energy storage (PCES) is the reduction in storage volume which can be achieved compared to sensible heat storage. The main objectives of the present study are 1. To develop a model of PCES. 2. To study the effect of assumptions in the models of earlier studies on both the solar fraction (the fraction of the load met by solar energy), and the required storage capacities.