The Potential Environmental and Social Influence of the Inorganic Salt Hydrates Used as a Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage in Solar Installations

The aim of this article is to assess the potential impact of inorganic salt hydrates used as PCM material in solar installations on the environment and human health and to assess the society’s approach to this technology. The properties of salt are discussed in two ways: first, by analyzing the environmental and health problems caused by chemical hazards on the basis of the available material safety data sheets. Secondly, by analyzing the potential disadvantages of salt hydrates in terms of environmental hazards based on the results of experimental studies available in the literature. Then, using questionnaires, the public approach to solar installations with a built-in converter containing salt hydrates is assessed. Disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate turned out to be the most prospective salt in terms of environmental, thermophysical, and economic properties for use in solar installations. Understanding the attitudes of the local community toward technologies using inorganic salt hydrates will enable appropriate action to be taken in the future to promote their development. Surveys have shown great public concern about their impact on the environment and human health. In this regard, it is necessary to implement information and promotion activities.