Research progress on synergistic enhanced heat transfer of metal foams in phase change energy storage process

Due to its unique porous structure and excellent thermal conductivity, metal foam can significantly improve problems such as slow phase transition rate and low thermal energy utilization rate caused by the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs). This paper reviews the latest research progress and application prospects of metal foams in phase change heat storage (PCHS) technology. Firstly, a bibliometric analysis is conducted on the keywords of PCHS - porous medium. Then, the preparation process, structural size and shape regulation progress of metal foam in the energy storage process of PCMs are described. The shortcomings faced by the current conventional uniform metal foam and the new design directions (gradient design, partial filling, linear gradient) are compared and discussed. It is summarized in combination with the current research progress of the active and passive collaborative enhanced heat exchange strategy. Finally, in view of the current research status in terms of structural optimization, functional integration, and multi-scale modeling, the future research directions of metal foam in the field of phase change energy storage are prospectively outlined.