Abstract
The article presents an overview of the current state of development of latent heat accumulators using on phase-change materials and their application as a preheater in vehicles. The classification of phase-change materials is given, a brief description of their properties, advantages and disadvantages is presented as well. The use of passive heat storage systems using phase-change materials is an effective way to store thermal energy, since it has some advantages such as a high energy storage density and isothermal storage process. The low cost and wide availability of phasechange material also bears the great importance at the stage of research and selection of material for the developing device. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the various design parameters that are necessary for the effective operation of the latent heat storage system. In the view of the foregoing, a conclusion is made about the expediency of using these materials in engine preheaters