(504e) Silica Gel/ MgSO4 Hybrids for Thermal Energy Storage

In the past few years, fossil fuels usage have been increased significantly, which produce large amount of carbon-dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and causes climate change. Therefore, a clean technology is needed to fulfill the global energy demand. Renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal, can be used as potential alternatives to the fossil fuels. However, thermal energy storage is required to fully utilize the solar energy.

Thermo-chemical energy storage technology is a promising technology used in space heating and cooling applications. Salt hydrates show high energy storage density and appeared as encouraging candidate for thermal energy storage. Nevertheless, lack of stability/ repeatability are the main issue. The current study focuses on MgSO₄-based hybrids for thermal energy storage. The structural properties of the hybrid is measured by SEM, and the adsorption/regeneration characteristics are measured by a lab scale thermal energy storage apparatus. The hybrid shows high energy storage density ~ 150 kWh/m³at 50% relative humidity and 120°C regeneration temperature.