Research progress and trends on the use of concrete as thermal energy storage material through bibliometric analysis

A landmark review of concrete as thermal energy storage material is presented through a bibliometric analysis approach. This study shows influential literature and the current relevant research directions. Geographical source and the identification of the significant publications enable determining the leading authors and research groups of the topic. The methodology is based on an accurately defined query, composed of remarkable keywords for the study. Two queries are set out, the first one from a holistic point of view of the topic, while the second one has a special consideration on concrete as TES under high-temperature conditions. Most part of the literature research pays attention to concrete applications in buildings, while other applications such as solar energy are in the rear face. Throughout the years, great interest in latent heat storage technology is observed using phase change material (PCM), implementing them in concrete mixtures or in other formats integrated into a building component. Despite the fact that the area of research is currently in prominent development, some literature gaps and new research directions are identified. Concepts such as climate change mitigation, concrete components, maintenance, are possible in-progress initiatives which need to be further studied.