Salt Hydrate Composites for Thermal Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermochemical energy storage solutions, particularly salt hydrates, face issues with multi-cyclic efficiency due to material-level instabilities such as pulverization and agglomeration during hydration and dehydration cycles, leading to a significant drop in energy density over 20 to 50 cycles, which limits their long-term application in building energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A dry mixing method is employed to fabricate salt hydrate composites by mixing salt hydrates with inert matrices and binders without water, using ball milling or alternative mixing equipment, to prevent agglomeration and pulverization, enhancing structural integrity and stability for long-term cycling, and reducing energy consumption and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If salt hydrates undergo hydration and dehydration cycles for energy storage, then energy storage and release functionality is achieved, but material-level instabilities such as pulverization and agglomeration occur leading to significant drop in energy density over 20-50 cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining salt hydrates with inert matrices and binders to create a composite structure. The inert matrix provides structural support that prevents pulverization during cycling, while the binder maintains material integrity. This composite approach allows the salt hydrate to perform hydration-dehydration cycles for energy storage without suffering from the material instabilities that would otherwise cause energy density degradation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mixing methods are used to fabricate salt hydrate composites, then material processing is simplified, but agglomeration and pulverization occur reducing structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inert matrix as an intermediary material that mediates between the salt hydrate particles during mixing and cycling. This intermediary prevents direct contact and interaction between salt hydrate particles that would lead to agglomeration and pulverization, while still allowing the mixing process to remain relatively simple. The inert matrix acts as a protective medium that maintains structural integrity without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Quantity of substance
If salt hydrates are used for thermal energy storage in buildings, then high energy density is achieved, but long-term application is limited due to multi-cyclic efficiency degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating binders and inert matrices into the salt hydrate composite before cycling begins. These protective components are预先 added to cushion against the mechanical stresses and chemical changes that occur during hydration-dehydration cycles. This prior protection prevents the degradation that would otherwise limit long-term application, allowing the high energy density of salt hydrates to be maintained over extended cycling periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dry mixing process results in salt hydrate composites that maintain high energy density and structural stability over >500 cycles, offering a scalable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution for on-site thermal energy storage in buildings, capable of charging with solar energy and discharging for thermal end uses.
Implementation Method 1
TCMs cover a wide array of materials that undergo the reaction of AB+heat↔A+B. Some example of 'B' include water
Implementation Method 2
TCMs cover a wide array of materials that undergo the reaction of AB+heat↔A+B
Implementation Method 3
A dry mixing method is employed to fabricate salt hydrate composites by mixing salt hydrates with inert matrices and binders without water, using ball milling or alternative mixing equipment
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to salt hydrate composites. In one aspect, a method includes mixing a salt hydrate, a matrix material, and a binder to form a mixture. The mixture is ball milled. The mixing operation and the ball milling operation are performed without water.