High-temperature heat storage technology refers to a technology that by storing and releasing thermal energy at a temperature range of 200 to 1000 ° C to tackle the mismatch between the energy supply and the demand in time and space.

A series of high temperature composite phase change materials that can absorb or release energy in the form of latent heat without macroscopic deformation are developed for high temperature heat storage applications.

The key challenge is to encase the phase change materials in the skeleton materials while keeping the energy storage capability with optimized mechanical strength. By applying pressure, the phase change material together with the conductivity enhancer and the skeleton material are nested in each other to form a uniform structure.

After sintering at a specific temperature, the phase change material is changed to a liquid state and fills the pores formed in the sample during the pressing process. The phase change material then becomes a binder connecting the skeleton material and the conductivity enhancer.

The composite phase change materials have a heat storage density more than 400 kJ/kg, and a compressive strength of 15 MPa. The composite phase change materials are tested in a test platform which is integrated with 1MW electric heating equipment.

Partners:

• State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Company
• University of Birmingham
• MAF swiss

Duration: 10/2015 to 3/2018