Overview of Thermal Energy Storage Mediums
- Inorganic Materials (e.g., Molten Salts)
- Efficiency: Generally efficient, especially in well-insulated systems, with good thermal conductivity.
- Cost: Inexpensive compared to organic phase change materials (PCMs), but can be less efficient than advanced technologies like hot silicon.
- Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
- Efficiency: Can store more energy relative to temperature change due to latent heat storage.
- Cost: Organic PCMs are often more expensive than inorganic materials but offer less corrosion risk.
- Hot Silicon
- Efficiency: High storage capacity and efficiency due to high operating temperatures (up to 1400 °C).
- Cost: Silicon is abundant and can be cost-effective for high-temperature applications.
- Molten Aluminum
- Efficiency: Used in systems like Azelio’s, it offers a medium to high efficiency with a temperature of up to 600 °C.
- Cost: Relatively efficient in terms of energy density and cost, particularly when utilizing recycled materials.
- ThermalBattery (Thermobeton)
- Efficiency: High efficiency (>98%) with long-lasting performance.
- Cost: Cost-effective due to the use of readily available materials, fully recyclable, and requiring minimal maintenance.
- Oils
- Efficiency: Offers medium to high efficiency depending on the type and application.
- Cost: Can be cost-effective if selected wisely, considering factors like thermal stability and operational costs.
Key Considerations
- Sensible Heat Storage: Materials like sand and molten salts are often used for high energy densities but require good insulation to minimize heat loss.
- Latent Heat Storage: Provides high energy storage capacity at constant temperatures using PCMs.
- Thermochemical Storage: Converts heat into chemical bonds and offers potential for long-term storage, though it is less mature and complex.
Summary Table:
| Medium | Efficiency | Cost Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Inorganic (Molten Salt) | High, dependent on insulation | Inexpensive, but with potential corrosion |
| Phase Change Materials | High due to latent heat | More expensive than inorganic materials |
| Hot Silicon | High at high temperatures | Abundant, can be cost-effective |
| Molten Aluminum | Medium to high efficiency | Cost-effective with recycled materials |
| ThermalBattery | High efficiency (>98%) | Cost-effective, recyclable, low maintenance |
| Oils | Medium to high | Requires careful selection for cost-effectiveness |
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-different-thermal-energy-storage-mediums-compare-in-terms-of-efficiency-and-cost/
