Research progress of phase change cold storage materials used in cold chain transportation and their different cold storage packaging structures

Cold thermal energy storage (CTES) is a technology with high potential for different thermal applications. CTES may be the most suitable method and method to correct the gap between energy demand and supply. Although many studies cover the application of cold energy storage technology and the introduction of cold storage materials, compared with other energy storage technologies such as thermal energy storage, there is insufficient review in this field. In this study, the phase changes cold storage materials used in cold chain logistics are classified in detail, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of phase change cold storage materials are described. At the same time, a systematic review of several main packaging forms (cold storage plates, cold storage microcapsules, cold storage bags and cold storage balls, etc.) of phase change cold storage materials used in cold chain transportation and their application status. There are great differences in practical applications. Finally, the key problems to be solved by further research are put forward. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.