Team enCORE installs savEnrg™ PCM Plenum to store heat generated from the solar thermal hot air collectors

enCORE from OSU will exhibit at Solar Decathlon 2011a unique ability to store heat generated from the solar thermal hot air collectors for extended periods of time. The structures uses a thermal battery which stores 30 hours of hot air at 86 degrees F. The thermal battery is designed using savEnrg™ Phase Change Material (PCM-29P) panels. savEnrg™ Phase Change Materials (PCM) are inorganic salt hydrates with negligible super cooling and sharp phase temperatures that have a capacity to store large amounts of energy as latent heat during their process of phase change. Phase Change Materials are non-toxic, non-combustible and made out of 100% natural, eco-friendly products.

Reseachers at UNNC develop new PCM

Researchers at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China ( UNNC) have developed a new PCM for room climate control that could be applied on wallpaper. This phase change material (PCM) retains and releases heat according to the specific temperature requirements for a building. The researchers claim large thermal energy storage capacity with fast thermal transfer properties than existing materials.

Recent development of PCM based thermal energy storage (TES) materials at the Air Force Research Laboratory

A news article today talked about a paper being published highlighting a unique application for inorganic  hydrated salt PCM. Regenerative thermal energy storage materials like hydrous salts are being highlighted for applications in thermal management of on-flight equipment like lasers and microwaves. 

World’s highest efficiency solar thermal cooling system inaugurated in India today

Government of India Press Information Bureau announced the inauguration of the world's highest efficiency solar thermal cooling system. It stated that " India achieves major breakthrough in solar thermal cooling system technology". The system was inaugurated at the Solar Energy Center in Guragon, Haryana, India by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, The minister of New & Renewable Energy on July 1, 2011.

Turbine Inlet Chilling (TIC) with Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

The hot air is lighter than cold air and has lesser oxygen to contribute to the combustion process of the turbine. So, when the summer temperatures rise, gas turbines lose efficiency and power. This results in significant reduction of the electrical output of the turbine. Generally during the summer, the power demand is at its peak and due to hot weather, the output of turbines is reduced and the power producers experience a reduction in performance. Turbine Inlet Chilling (TIC) is considered to be a cost effective solution to this problem.

Phase Change Material for Marine Holdover Plates

Holdover plates, as defined by the Refrigeration Parts Solution, are stainless steel tanks which contain an evaporator coil surrounded by a Phase Change Material called propylene glycol .  As the compressor runs, this solution freezes.  Once the compressor turns off, the frozen solution continues to absorb heat from the refrigerated box thereby extending the "off" cycle of the compressor.  When incorporated into a properly designed system, holdover plates can significantly reduce average energy consumption.

Phase Change Material as a safe substitute for Dry ice

Dry ice is generally used as a refrigerant for packaging and transporting food, pharmaceutical products and biological samples that are needed to be kept frozen. Dry ice is generally considered non toxic with an enthalpy of sublimation equal to 57 1 kJ/Kg which makes it a very effective coolant. Dry ice however is very dangerous if not handled with care. It's sublimation produces carbon dioxide vapors which is harmful in high concentrations and directly enhances carbon emissions. Direct contact with dry ice can freeze cells and give effects similar to burns. Phase Change Materials like PCM23N provide an advantage over using dry ice.