Thermal Energy Storage using PCMs and a patent pending Heat Pipe loop enabling cost effective, fast and efficient thermal energy storage.

About

Thermal Energy Storage using Phase Change Materials is not new and as much as PCMs work effectively in theory significant challenges remained in the area of effective (and timely) heat transfer in and out of the material. Conductive additives are costly and tend to stratify out of the mix over few cycles while dense heat exchangers with complex coils significantly add to the pressure drop and significant pump power requirements (adding cost, complexity and reducing the efficiency of the store). ThEnergy, in collaboration with Brunel University London have developed a solution to this problem using a novel (and patent pending) Heat Pipe design significantly improving the heat transfer efficiency and reducing the energy required for the effective use of the thermal store. This invention has been developed to the Proof of Concept prototype stage and vigorously tested at Brunel University.

Key Benefits

The Heat Pipe assisted Thermal Energy Storage significantly improves the speed and efficiency of heat transfer in and out of the Thermal Store while reducing pumping energy use by over 90%. This will help to lower the cost of energy storage while expanding its applicability.

Applications

Domestic Heating and Hot Water, Frequency Response in combination with Domestic Heat and Heat Pumps, Industrial Heat Recovery and Reuse, District Heating applications and other.

Register for free for full unlimited access to all innovation profiles on LEO

  • Discover articles from some of the world’s brightest minds, or share your thoughts and add one yourself
  • Connect with like-minded individuals and forge valuable relationships and collaboration partners
  • Innovate together, promote your expertise, or showcase your innovations