Progress on thermal storage technologies with high heat density in renewables and low carbon applications: Latent and thermochemical energy storage

As the global energy system shifts to renewable energy, high-density energy storage methods are crucial for stable output and efficiency, but several challenges remain. This article presents research progress and comprehensively summarizes high density heat storage methods from the perspectives of material preparation, packaging container, molecular simulation, system design, device structure, and applications encompassing areas like the conservation of energy in building environments, renewable energy, and carbon emission reduction. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive focus on latent heat and thermochemical energy storage technologies, particularly in the context of renewable energy and low-carbon applications. While similar review papers exist, this work uniquely integrates recent advancements in material fabrication, system design, and molecular simulation, offering a more holistic perspective on this field. Technological requirements and development routes for high density heat storage methods are discussed respectively. The potential application to renewable energy and carbon reduction is illustrated by examples. Finally, conclusions are drawn on many aspects, and recommendations including material property, system construction and high-performance research are provided. The review may serve as a trustworthy reference for the development of excellent performance materials, efficient system construction, large-scale application, and energy strategy innovation in the field of energy storage.