An In-Depth Analysis of the Impact of Magnetic Fields on Phase Change Materials for Enhanced Thermal Performance

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are extensively used in different application, although they are characterized by a low thermal conductivity and low melting/solidification speeds. To overcome these challenges, researchers have considered using magnetic fields to improve heating and changing of phase in PCMs and Nanoparticle-enhanced PCMs (NePCMs). The current review intends to analyse the effect of magnetic field on the melting behavior of PCM, heat transfer rates, and energy storage efficiency in different arrangements such as porous cavity, finned tube and rotating systems. The results show that magnetic fields can have a great impact on the PCM behavior. This is attributed to the intensive magnetic field (e.g., Hartmann number Ha = 100), where melting time can be slowed by up to 43 % against buoyancy forces as well as eased by 12–16 % in finned systems due to non-homogeneous magnetic fields. Addition of Nanoparticles (e.g. Fe<inf>3</inf>O<inf>4</inf> at 1 wt%) can also enhance these properties and increase thermal conductivity, thus decreasing melting time by 25 % in magnetic fields. However, it is influenced by the orientation of the field such as horizontal fields suppress convection and vertical fields give rise to convection. The best outcomes involve hybrids, magnetic Nanoparticles in metal foams, where phase transition is decreased by 98 % during rotation Rew = 1000. Key trade-offs of the type where the advantage may be canceled out by higher viscosity at high Nanoparticle loadings are also noted in the review. Finally, it has been stated that magnetic fields have the potential to transform PCM-based technologies, especially in solar energy storage, cooling of electronics, and building efficiency, with the request of better research regarding uniformity of the fields, scaling, and integration in cost-efficient applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.