Thermal energy storage performance of encapsulated palm waste derived bio based phase change materials for solar cooling applications

The increasing cooling demand and high electricity consumption of conventional air-conditioning systems have intensified interest in sustainable thermal energy storage solutions. This study presents a comprehensive review of solar cooling systems integrated with encapsulated palm waste derived bio based phase change materials for building applications. Particular emphasis is placed on thermal energy storage performance, including latent heat storage capacity, charging discharging behavior, thermal regulation, and load-shifting capability under tropical climatic conditions. The study evaluates the integration of bio-based phase change materials in absorption, adsorption, desiccant, and photovoltaic (PV) driven cooling systems while examining techno-economic and environmental performance. Palm-based materials with phase transition temperatures of 20–30 °C and latent heat capacities of 150–220 kJ kg −1 demonstrate strong suitability for cooling-oriented thermal energy storage. Storage integration improves cooling continuity, enhances solar utilization, and reduces peak thermal loads, achieving energy savings of 20–40% and solar fractions of 60–70%. Economic analysis indicates that palm-based materials provide lower cost compared with conventional paraffin-based storage materials, with payback periods of 3–8 years despite encapsulation expenses. Environmental assessment further demonstrates significant carbon emission reduction potential. Encapsulated palm waste derived materials represent a promising low carbon thermal energy storage solution for sustainable solar cooling applications.