For high-temperature applications in Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), phase change materials (PCMs) that offer stability and high energy density at elevated temperatures are necessary. Here are some of the most suitable types:
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Molten Salts:
- Description: Molten salts are popular for their thermal stability and capacity to store large amounts of thermal energy. They are typically used in applications involving temperatures up to several hundred degrees Celsius.
- Usefulness in CAES: Their high melting points can effectively manage and store thermal energy generated during the compression and expansion processes in CAES systems.
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Metallic Alloys:
- Description: Metallic alloys, particularly those involving metals like copper, are promising for high-temperature applications due to their high melting points and thermal conductivity.
- Usefulness in CAES: Copper-based PCMs, for example, can handle very high temperatures, making them suitable for managing waste heat in industrial processes, including CAES.
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Salt Hydrates:
- Description: While primarily used in lower temperature applications (8 to 120°C), some specialized salt hydrates might be optimized for higher temperature ranges through modification or hybridization.
- Usefulness in CAES: Enhanced versions of these could potentially be used in certain components of CAES systems requiring thermal management.
These materials can effectively store and release heat, contributing to efficient thermal energy management in CAES systems.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-types-of-phase-change-materials-are-most-suitable-for-high-temperature-applications-in-caes/
