ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the requirements of suitable containment systems and examines the types of containment systems that have been employed, successfully and unsuccessfully, for phase change materials (PCMs). Most of the research on microencapsulated PCMs has been directed at developing a PCM-matrix in which the matrix encapsulates the PCM and lends additional properties that make the structure suitable as a replacement for conventional materials. The chapter describes some of the available types of commercial storage subsystems on bulk, macro-, and microencapsulated systems. In the more common macroencapsulation approach, containment and heat transfer are handled by the same surface. The chapter emphasizes on the assembly, the combination of PCM and the encapsulant. For PCM containment systems, where embrittlement can be a significant factor in expected product life, the use of polymers which are relatively resistant to oxidative embrittlement, the use of good stabilizers, and extensive testing are all a must.
