Cold storage systems integrated with phase change technology

Market demand for cold storage systems, a critical component of modern cold-chain logistics, is rapidly expanding. Phase-change cold technology offers a low-carbon route for energy savings in cold storage systems and is now a major research focus. This paper outlines the application of cold storage technology, systematically reviews the characteristics of three types of phase-change materials (PCMs), and provides a comparative analysis of their advantages and disadvantages. It elaborates on key techniques for enhancing material properties and details the primary encapsulation strategies to address engineering challenges. This study categorizes cold storage systems into active and passive types, and identifies refrigeration units and external heat ingress as the primary sources of energy consumption. Based on this classification, three specific application scenarios for integrating PCMs into cold storage systems are clearly outlined. This study provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of the current development prospects and challenges of phase-change cold storage technology. It proposes that future research should prioritize the development of high-performance PCMs, optimization of cold-storage panel arrangements, and studies on system-level integration.