Lattice Boltzmann method for heat transfer in phase change materials: a review

Over the years, incredible evolution has been framed in developing particle-induced discrete simulation techniques over conventional continuum approaches. In particular, the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) originated from a flexible and robust computational tool for scientific research and various practical applications. LBM is based on a mesoscopic approach that acts as a bridge between the microscale and macroscale, offering distinct features in the accuracy of simulations and numerical efficiency. LBM has been successfully employed over a broad aspect of disciplines, encompassing biomedicine, geothermal energy, flow physics, materials, chemistry, medical treatment, storage of energy, and several engineering disciplines. Meanwhile, phase change materials (PCMs) are extensively utilized in thermal energy storage (TES) systems as they can absorb and release heat throughout the phase change process. Moreover, phase change heat transfer (HT) has a substantial occurrence in industrial and domestic activities. It is expected to enhance the thermal transport rate between HT fluid and PCMs for the confinement of a larger amount of heat. This current work aims to provide a comprehensive review of LBM for thermo-fluids concentrating on thermal flows and PCM. It also enlightens a brief insight into the LBM formulation of heat transfer for PCMs under various external force conditions and the implementation of boundary conditions for PCMs. In addition, it also introduces the study and examination of the existing TES systems comprising PCMs for various applications.