Thermal energy storage systems utilize a variety of materials to store heat energy for later use, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in energy systems. The most common materials can be categorized based on the type of thermal energy storage: sensible, latent, and thermochemical.
Sensible Heat Storage Materials
- Water: One of the cheapest and most commonly used materials due to its abundance and high specific heat capacity.
- Rocks and Sand: Utilized in thermal storage systems, especially for ground or underground applications, due to their thermal mass and cost-effectiveness.
- Molten Salts: Frequently used in solar thermal power plants because they can be heated to high temperatures, providing a high storage capacity.
- Oils: Such as mineral oils, synthetic oils, and even vegetable oils for medium to high-temperature applications due to their high thermal conductivity and stability.
Latent Heat Storage Materials (Phase Change Materials)
- Ice: Uses the phase change from solid to liquid for cooling applications, particularly in chilled water systems.
- Miscibility Gap Alloys: These metallic materials store energy through phase changes while encapsulated in immiscible metals.
- PCMs: Include materials like paraffin wax and eutectic mixtures for maintaining stable temperatures during phase transitions.
Thermochemical Heat Storage Materials
This category involves chemical reactions to store thermal energy, though it is still in early stages of development and more costly.
In summary, water, molten salts, rocks, and sand are commonly used for sensible heat storage, while ice and phase change materials are utilized for latent heat storage. Thermochemical storage is less common due to its higher cost and developmental stage.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-materials-used-in-thermal-energy-storage-systems/
