Cycling Stability of Calcium-Impregnated Vermiculite in Open Reactor Used as a Thermochemical Storage Material

Geraint Sullivan (), Chris Griffiths, Eifion Jewell, Justin Searle and Jonathon Elvins
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Geraint Sullivan: SPECIFIC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Chris Griffiths: SPECIFIC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Eifion Jewell: SPECIFIC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Justin Searle: SPECIFIC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Jonathon Elvins: SPECIFIC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-12

Abstract: Recent research into thermochemical storage (TCS) materials has highlighted their promising potential for seasonal building heating, through energy capture and release during dehydration and hydration cycling. A common TCS material used throughout this investigation was calcium chloride (CaCl 2 )-impregnated vermiculite-based salt in matrix (SIM). This material was assessed for its robustness during charging and discharging cycles to assess its behavior and in terms of energy stability and chemical stability; the results of which showed consistent volumetric energy density and maximum temperature changes over seven cycles. The calcium SIM did, however, show a decline in leachable Ca content, which was presumed to be a result of stabilization within the vermiculite, and chloride concentration showed little change over the course of the study. Real-time visualization using a high-resolution microscope of calcium SIM particles showed a salt phase change and migration of liquid salt into the valleys of the lamella. A novel cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ) SIM was used to visualize the hydration path across the particle, through distinct color changes depending on hydration state. The results indicated that the topography of the vermiculite played a significant role in the passive hydration modeling.

Keywords: thermochemical storage; calcium chloride; vermiculite; stability; charge and discharge cycling (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: 2023
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