Research on efficient and economical thermal storage technology becomes common issue to the scholars. Especially research on PCMs becomes hot spot these years. In view of the discontinuity and instability of solar energy, efficient and economic research on energy storage technology occupies a very important position. This article summarizes and evaluates the research development and applications of solar thermal storage technology with PCMs both in China and the other countries. Including four parts: A review on preparation of new composite phase change materials and its thermophysical properties was carried out. Various heat transfer enhancement technology was overviewed. Including adding metal fill, adding graphite, capsule package, plus fins, adding carbon fiber and composite phase change materials, etc. Mathematical modeling of a latent heat thermal energy storage system (LHTES) was reviewed in recent years which is used for the optimum material selection and to assist in the optimal designing of the systems. The important characteristics of different models and their assumptions used are presented and discussed, the experimental validation of some models are also presented. The applications and prospects of PCMs used in the different fields were summarized, such as industry, agriculture, construction, textiles, electronic products, medicine, transportation etc. Finally, conclusions and perspectives were drawed. Hope to provide references to the other researchers in this field.
