Experimental Feasibility Study of a Direct Contact Latent Heat Storage Using an Ester as a Bio-Based Storage Material

Lukas Hegner, Stefan Krimmel, Rebecca Ravotti, Dominic Festini, Jörg Worlitschek and Anastasia Stamatiou
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Lukas Hegner: Competence Centre Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Stefan Krimmel: Competence Centre Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Rebecca Ravotti: Competence Centre Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Dominic Festini: Competence Centre Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Jörg Worlitschek: Competence Centre Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Anastasia Stamatiou: Competence Centre Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-26

Abstract: Latent heat storage (LHS) represents a valuable technology for the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources in existing and future energy systems. Improvements in LHS can be sought by enhancing heat transfer efficiency, compactness and diminishing the environmental impact of storage systems. In this paper, direct contact latent heat storage (DC-LHS) using esters as phase change material (PCM) is proposed as a promising compact storage technology to achieve high performance both in terms of heat transfer and sustainability. The technology allows for the heat transfer fluid (HTF) to flow directly through the PCM, forming a large amount of small droplets and thus providing a large heat exchange surface area between the two materials. At the same time, using biobased esters as PCM, gives the technology clear ecological advantages when compared to alternative types of compact energy storage. Furthermore, no complex heat transfer enhancing structures are necessary in a DC-LHS, further reducing the environmental impact and enabling very high energy densities. In this paper, the feasibility of this concept is explored for the first time by developing and testing an experimental DC-LHS device using methyl palmitate as PCM and water as HTF. The thermal performance and stability of the material combination are analysed by different melting–solidification experiments and distinctive effects are identified and comprehensively discussed for the first time. The basic concept as well as the novel material combination are validated. The study finds the critical challenges that must be overcome in order for this highly promising technology to be successfully implemented.

Keywords: thermal energy storage; direct contact; latent heat storage; esters; methyl palmitate; phase change materials; PCM; proof-of-concept; emulsion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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