An Overview of the Use of Phase Change Materials for the Thermal Management of Transient Portable Electronics: Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the implementation of phase change materials to absorb thermal energy in transient electronics. A thorough review of existing literature is included with an emphasis on the evolution of the technology, its potential benefits and the remaining challenges to its implementation.

Investigation of high-enthalpy organic phase-change materials for heat storage and thermal management

“…Phase change materials (PCM) capture a large amount of thermal energy via solid-liquid phase transition, using their latent heat (either mass-or volume-specific). PCM can be integrated into latent heat thermal energy storage systems [1][2][3][4][5], as well as used in transient thermal management applications [6][7][8][9]. The current study focuses on certain applications related to heat storage and transient thermal management, where the physical properties needed are melting temperature in the range of 80 • C-100 • C, whereas the latent heat should be as high as possible.…”

“…Based on the application at hand, several PCM options are possible according to the temperature requirements, because the PCM should undergo phase transition in a specified range. PCM may be pure substances, but to manipulate the melting temperature where necessary, eutectic mixtures of various materials were suggested [2,8]. Classical PCM studies [1,6] outlined the desirable features of PCM which are deemed suitable for the purposes of heat storage and thermal management.…”

“…Classical PCM studies [1,6] outlined the desirable features of PCM which are deemed suitable for the purposes of heat storage and thermal management. Except for the appropriate melting temperature, which is crucial for a given application, the key desirable features include [8]: high latent heat, reversible solid-to-liquid transition, high thermal conductivity, non-toxicity and cycling stability. As mentioned frequently [8], there is no ideal PCM which 'checks every box' in the list of requirements.…”

“…Except for the appropriate melting temperature, which is crucial for a given application, the key desirable features include [8]: high latent heat, reversible solid-to-liquid transition, high thermal conductivity, non-toxicity and cycling stability. As mentioned frequently [8], there is no ideal PCM which 'checks every box' in the list of requirements. Thus, a PCM solution should be integrated with heat transfer enhancement means, e.g.…”

“…The paraffins family (C n H n+2 ) is the most popular in current PCM investigations for relatively low temperatures [2,8]; however, pure paraffins are pretty expensive, which makes them unpractical for usage. The more affordable commercial grade paraffins, usually comprised of several different hydrocarbons, may have their own problems related, e.g.…”