Current status and development of research on phase change materials in agricultural greenhouses: A review

With the "Carbon peaking, Carbon neutrality" goal, the implementation of energy saving and emission reduction strategies has become a long-term strategic plan for all countries. Energy consumption in the agricultural sector has always accounted for a large proportion of the total energy consumption of countries. The greenhouse component of agriculture tends to make up the largest share of total agricultural energy consumption. The application of phase change energy storage technology (PCEST) in agricultural greenhouses provides a feasible and effective solution for reducing greenhouse energy consumption and carbon emissions. PCEST can realize the "peak load shifting" of solar energy, reduce the temperature fluctuation inside the greenhouse, prevent heat damage and frost damage, and thus reduce the building energy demand. This paper reviews the recent progress of PCEST in the field of agricultural greenhouses. The research includes phase change materials (PCMs) suitable for greenhouses and the selection and modification of PCMs for greenhouses, the moisture regulation function of composite PCMs, and the current status of application of PCMs in greenhouse systems. The significance of this review is to summarize the PCMs applicable to greenhouses and expand the research and application ideas of PCMs in greenhouses, hoping to provide valuable guidance for the integration of PCMs with greenhouse systems. The development of PCEST for agricultural greenhouses is summarized and the future development direction is anticipated.