Design and characterization of latent thermal energy storage systems (LTESS) using pure and metal-foam-loaded PCMs

Latent thermal energy storage systems (LTESSs) are innovative technologies to store thermal energy very useful when the heat production is decoupled by the heat request (i.e. when renewable energy is used in a thermal system). Heat storage systems which use phase change materials (PCMs) represent an efficient solution to store thermal energy thanks to the PCMs high energy storage density. Actually, these materials are widely used as components of building elements (walls, windows), in solar energy systems, heat exchangers and heat pumps storage systems. This thesis follows the research purpose of the CLIWAX project which is devoted to demonstrate the effectiveness of PCM-based energy storage solutions dedicated to HVAC systems.