Environmental footprint of phase change material (PCM) used in Thermal Energy Storage (TES): a life cycle assessment study

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as promising candidates for Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems due to their ability to store and release significant amounts of energy during phase transitions. This thesis focuses on the environmental assessment of advanced PCM-based TES systems fabricated through additive manufacturing. It presents a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model to evaluate the sustainability of 3D-printed core-shell geometries specifically designed for high-temperature thermal storage applications. By identifying environmental hotspots and inefficiencies in the lifecycle of these materials and processes, the thesis provides insights into optimizing material selection and manufacturing approaches. The results aim to balance energy storage efficiency with environmental impact, ensuring the sustainability of PCM-based TES systems. This work contributes to advancing the deployment of TES technologies by integrating environmental considerations into the design and development process, supporting the global transition to renewable energy.