Current status of foreign low-temperature energy storage technology

Can low temperature phase change materials store thermal energy?

Phase change materials utilizing latent heat can store a huge amount of thermal energy within a small temperature range i.e., almost isothermal. In this review of low temperature phase change materials for thermal energy storage, important properties and applications of low temperature phase change materials have been discussed and analyzed.

What is latent thermal energy storage?

Latent thermal energy storages are using phase change materials (PCMs) as storage material. By utilization of the phase change, a high storage density within a narrow temperature range is possible. Mainly materials with a solid–liquid phase change are applied due to the smaller volume change.

What are the challenges of latent thermal energy storage?

One of the main challenges for latent thermal energy storages is the phase change itself which requires a separation of the storage medium and HTF. Furthermore, PCMs usually have a low thermal conductivity, which limits the heat transfer and power of the storage.

What is the difference between latent heat storage and thermochemical storage?

Energy Storage Duration: Latent heat storage and thermochemical storage systems often provide longer-duration energy storage compared to sensible heat storage systems. The ability of PCMs and thermochemical materials to store energy during phase changes or chemical reactions enables extended energy release over time.

How does temperature change affect thermal energy storage?

The temperature variation circulates between hot and cold thermal storage to drive thermal energy to convert it into electricity [126, 127] eventually. 2.4.2. Pressure–compressed air CAES is a thermodynamic energy storage method. This allows storing energy that can be utilized for other applications at higher demand and peak loads.

How are sensible and latent thermal storage systems developed at Fraunhofer ISE?

Different sensible and latent thermal storage systems with different operation temperatures are developed at Fraunhofer ISE from the material to the system level. At the material level, the development of PCS, the degradation of PCMs, and the compatibility of fillers for sensible storages is addressed in current research projects.