Iranian Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (IRSHRAE) Journal of Renewable and New Energy 2423-4931 13 1 2026 04 21 Transformation in Agricultural and Post-Harvest Industries Using Phase Change Material Composites Transformation in Agricultural and Post-Harvest Industries Using Phase Change Material Composites 53 62 234498 10.22034/jrenew.2026.234498 FA Sasan Keramat Department of Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran Aziz Babapoor University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Journal Article 2025 06 07 Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are used as thermal energy storage in various agricultural sectors. In greenhouses, PCMs help stabilize the growing environment by absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it at night. Similarly, in solar dryers, these materials store energy during sunlight hours and release it after sunset, extending the effective drying time of agricultural products. PCM use in water purification systems, such as solar distillation, ensures a continuous supply of clean water by storing heat and maintaining the distillation process during non-sunlight hours. Additionally, in the cold chain for transporting food products, PCMs maintain optimal temperatures, preventing premature spoilage and preserving product quality. These applications offer significant thermal benefits, such as reducing temperature fluctuations and enhancing energy efficiency. From an environmental perspective, PCMs reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions by harnessing stored solar energy, contributing to agricultural sustainability. The future prospects of PCMs in agriculture are promising, with ongoing research focused on improving the thermal properties of these materials (enhancing heat storage capacity, reducing supercooling effects, and improving thermal conductivity) while lowering costs. It is expected that with the resolution of current challenges, PCMs will play an even greater role in optimizing energy use and supporting sustainable agricultural development. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are used as thermal energy storage in various agricultural sectors. In greenhouses, PCMs help stabilize the growing environment by absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it at night. Similarly, in solar dryers, these materials store energy during sunlight hours and release it after sunset, extending the effective drying time of agricultural products. PCM use in water purification systems, such as solar distillation, ensures a continuous supply of clean water by storing heat and maintaining the distillation process during non-sunlight hours. Additionally, in the cold chain for transporting food products, PCMs maintain optimal temperatures, preventing premature spoilage and preserving product quality. These applications offer significant thermal benefits, such as reducing temperature fluctuations and enhancing energy efficiency. From an environmental perspective, PCMs reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions by harnessing stored solar energy, contributing to agricultural sustainability. The future prospects of PCMs in agriculture are promising, with ongoing research focused on improving the thermal properties of these materials (enhancing heat storage capacity, reducing supercooling effects, and improving thermal conductivity) while lowering costs. It is expected that with the resolution of current challenges, PCMs will play an even greater role in optimizing energy use and supporting sustainable agricultural development. https://www.jrenew.ir/article_234498_b81d8f728fbc2214fa9207a84de78e4e.pdf