3. Criteria for choosing a phase-change material

The components used for latent heat storage are known as phase-change materials or PCMs.

It goes without saying that the first criterion for choosing a PCM is its transformation temperature, since this must be in line with the process. Of all the products with an acceptable melting temperature, it is wisest to choose the one with the highest latent heat. There are other very important criteria to consider when choosing PCMs:

• cost: this is, of course, a decisive criterion. The choice will not be the same for a few kilograms (for domestic use) or a few tons (for industrial use);

• density: a denser body will require a smaller storage volume. We also need to consider the variation in density during the change of state. This is particularly true for aqueous PCMs;

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