Role of phase change materials and digital twin technology in thermal energy storage system: A review
The exponential growth in energy consumption and demand, along with the depletion of natural resources, is exerting a catastrophic impact on global ecosystems. Recent advances in research and development have focused on the distribution of renewable energy sources and the reduction of traditional energy usage as strategies to address pressing environmental concerns, such as climate change and global warming. Moreover, there is an urgent need for appropriate technologies that can enhance the thermal performance of buildings, given the rapid increase in global cooling and heating demands. This study examines the role of phase change materials (PCMs) and digital twin (DT) technology in thermal energy storage (TES), drawing on an analysis of 89 research articles sourced from multiple databases and references. The findings demonstrate that TES systems optimized through meticulous selection of PCMs can effectively meet thermal comfort requirements. Integrating DT technology with building systems allows for the analysis of cooling effects and optimization of energy demand through DT models of smart buildings. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the different PCMs used in cooling applications and explores the implementation of DT technologies within building systems. In addition, practical applications of DT technologies for TES systems are presented, providing insights into their potential for enhancing energy efficiency in building systems.
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