Applications of solar water heating system with phase change material

The aim of the paper is to provide the review towards the solar water heating system with phase change material. Research questions relating to the solar water heating system using phase change material were analyzed in two sides, i.e., structural characterization and research methodology, followed with the brief introduction of phase change material. The opportunities for further works were identified in technical and economical aspects. The technical opportunities involved in improving characteristics of phase change material for application in solar water heating system, developing novel solar water heating system for integration of system components with phase change material, performing long-term, real-weather and in-situ testing for optimizing operational and structural parameters of novel system, and proposing standardization of novel system for design, manufacture, utilization and marketing. The economical opportunities were presented as in conducting economical analysis to propose cost-effective system and evaluate the feasibility in different locations of the world, and providing subsidies to promote cost-effective system. This study will help identify the potential research gaps for the improvement of the energy efficiency of the solar water heating system and reduce the conventional fossil fuel consumption and carbon emission in the world. This research will also provide the guidance for the domestic and global researchers and engineers working on this area. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.