The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2020) | Viewed by 21992

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Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia "NicolaGiordano" (ITAE), 98126 Messina, Italy
Interests: thermally driven heat pumps; heat pumps; sorption heat storage systems; solar cooling; thermal storage; Carnot batteries; solar thermal; energy efficiency; efficiency in buildings; renewable energies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is stimulating a growing interest since it can be considered one of the key technologies for developing efficient energy systems and facilitating the use of renewable energies. The employment of TES allows to overcome the existing mismatch between energy production and demand for discontinuous energy sources (e.g., solar thermal) or variable loads (e.g., thermal energy demand in buildings). In such a scenario, sorption and chemical reaction-based storage systems can enable a further feature: long-term heat storage. The thermo-chemical technology is based on the reversible reaction occurring between two components and it is associated with higher amounts of energy stored with respect to sensible or latent heat-based systems. This reaction can be either chemical or physical. The main features of chemical reactions are their slower kinetics, due to the high energy associated with the process, and noticeable heat- and mass-transfer diffusion resistance within the material that requires a proper system design. In contrast, sorption applications are based on physical reactions, where a vapor (e.g., water, ammonia) reacts with a sorbent, which can be either liquid (absorption systems) or solid (adsorption systems). The presence of a physical reaction allows lower charging temperatures (70–150°C) and lower reaction enthalpies compared to methods based on chemical reactions. Accordingly, this technology is characterized by faster kinetics but lower heat storage density.

General greeting message:

We are pleased to invite researchers in the fields of thermal storage systems based on sorption or chemical reactions to submit their research and review articles on the latest research advances in the sector and to contribute to this Special Issue. The aim of this issue is to spread the knowledge of the ongoing research and latest technological and scientific achievements in this field.

Dr. Salvatore Vasta
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sorption storage
  • heat storage
  • thermo-chemical storage
  • adsorption
  • absorption

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3620 KiB  
Article
Modified Silicone-SAPO34 Composite Materials for Adsorption Thermal Energy Storage Systems
by Luigi Calabrese, Stefano De Antonellis, Salvatore Vasta, Vincenza Brancato and Angelo Freni
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8715; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238715 - 05 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1599
Abstract
In this work, novel silicone-SAPO34 composite materials are proposed for application in adsorption thermal energy storage systems. The innovative composite materials were obtained through a mold foaming process activated by a dehydrogenative coupling reaction between properly selected siloxane compounds. Morphology analysis by optical [...] Read more.
In this work, novel silicone-SAPO34 composite materials are proposed for application in adsorption thermal energy storage systems. The innovative composite materials were obtained through a mold foaming process activated by a dehydrogenative coupling reaction between properly selected siloxane compounds. Morphology analysis by optical microscopy and measurement of the mechanical properties of the foamed materials at varying zeolite content demonstrated a quite homogeneous open-cell structure and good structural stability of the foam. Water adsorption isotherms of the adsorbent foams expanded in free space and inside paperboard were measured by a gravimetric adsorption apparatus, demonstrating that the presence of the polymeric fraction does not affect the adsorption capacity of the SAPO34 fraction added in the composite foam. Finally, main adsorption and thermodynamic properties of the proposed foam have been compared with those of other adsorbent materials, confirming the possible use of these new composite foams as adsorbent materials for adsorption thermal energy storage systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage)
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17 pages, 5339 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of a Novel All-In-One Adsorption Thermal Storage with Zeolite for Thermal Solar Applications
by Michelangelo Di Palo, Vincenzo Sabatelli, Fulvio Buzzi and Roberto Gabbrielli
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8517; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238517 - 28 Nov 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2625
Abstract
The paper discusses the performances of a novel all-in-one adsorption thermal storage based on steam vapour and zeolite 13X for industrial end-users. Steam production/condensation for the adsorption/desorption processes are executed within the same vacuum reactor, where the zeolite is heated and cooled by [...] Read more.
The paper discusses the performances of a novel all-in-one adsorption thermal storage based on steam vapour and zeolite 13X for industrial end-users. Steam production/condensation for the adsorption/desorption processes are executed within the same vacuum reactor, where the zeolite is heated and cooled by the thermal fluid which flows within a heat exchanger. Both experimental approach and numerical method are used to assess the behaviour and energy performances of the novel system. So, a medium-scale prototype was constructed and some experimental tests for the charging and discharging phases were carried out, producing useful data for the validation of a time-dependent model of the adsorption/desorption processes, which resulted very reliable in the simulation of the thermal storage system. The charging and discharging efficiency of thermal energy can reach values higher than 80% and 50%, respectively. The experimental campaign and the simulative activities highlighted some operative criticalities of the all-in-one thermal storage system and suggested some possible technical improvements to face and solve them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage)
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18 pages, 7611 KiB  
Article
Adsorption Cold Storage for Mobile Applications
by Salvatore Vasta, Valeria Palomba, Davide La Rosa and Antonino Bonanno
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(6), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10062044 - 18 Mar 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2432
Abstract
In recent years, hot and cold storage systems demonstrated themselves to be key components, especially in systems for waste heat exploitation. Moreover, mobile A/C and refrigeration set new efficiency challenges in the field of goods and passengers transport. In such a context, adsorption [...] Read more.
In recent years, hot and cold storage systems demonstrated themselves to be key components, especially in systems for waste heat exploitation. Moreover, mobile A/C and refrigeration set new efficiency challenges in the field of goods and passengers transport. In such a context, adsorption cold storage devices enable new possibilities and show promising features: high energy density and the possibility of being operated both for heat and cold release to the user. However, only a few studies on small and compact systems for mobile applications have been carried out so far, especially for cold storage exploiting low-temperature sources (<100 °C). The present paper describes the realization and testing of two different types of cold storage based on two innovative adsorbent reactors: a pelletized adsorber filled with commercial FAM Z02 zeolite, and a composite adsorber based on an aluminum porous structure and a SAPO-34 coating. An already developed testing procedure was employed to characterize the prototypes under cold storage mode for mobile refrigeration purposes. The test clearly showed that prototypes can store up to 580 Wh, with an average power during the discharging phase that ranges from 200 W to 820 W and an energy efficiency of 0.3 Whdischarged/Whcharged for the operations in the selected conditions, thus revealing promising opportunities for future further developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage)
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14 pages, 1224 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic Efficiency of Water Vapor/Solid Chemical Sorption Heat Storage for Buildings: Theoretical Limits and Integration Considerations
by Frédéric Kuznik and Kévyn Johannes
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(2), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10020489 - 09 Jan 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
The theoretical limits of water sorbate-based chemical sorption heat storage are investigated in this study. First, a classification of thermochemical heat storage is proposed based on bonding typology. Then, thermodynamics of chemical solid/gas sorption is introduced. The analysis of the reaction enthalpy from [...] Read more.
The theoretical limits of water sorbate-based chemical sorption heat storage are investigated in this study. First, a classification of thermochemical heat storage is proposed based on bonding typology. Then, thermodynamics of chemical solid/gas sorption is introduced. The analysis of the reaction enthalpy from the literature indicates that this value is only slightly varying for one mole of water. Using this observation, and with the help of thermodynamic considerations, it is possible to derive conclusions on energy efficiency of closed and open heat storage systems. Whatever the salt, the main results are (1) the energy required for evaporation of water is, at least, 65% of the available energy of reaction, and (2) the maximum theoretical energy efficiency of the system, defined as the ratio of the heat released to the building over the heat provided to the storage, is about 1.8. Considering the data from literature, it is also possible to show that perfectly working prototypes have an energy efficiency about 49%. Based on those results, it is possible to imagine that for the best available material, a perfect thermochemical heat storage system would correspond to 12 times water with a temperature difference about 50 °C. Such solution is definitely competitive, provided that some difficult issues are solved—issues that are discussed throughout this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage)
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13 pages, 1710 KiB  
Article
Performance Analysis of a Solar DHW System with Adsorption Module Operating in Different World Locations
by Marco S. Fernandes, Vítor A. F. Costa, Gonçalo J. V. N. Brites, Adélio R. Gaspar and José J. Costa
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(24), 5480; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9245480 - 13 Dec 2019
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2114
Abstract
A numerical study was conducted on the performance of a solar domestic hot water storage system with an adsorption module operating in seven different world locations. The base system was optimized for Portuguese conditions and, without changing the system itself and the water [...] Read more.
A numerical study was conducted on the performance of a solar domestic hot water storage system with an adsorption module operating in seven different world locations. The base system was optimized for Portuguese conditions and, without changing the system itself and the water consumption profile, its performance was investigated by altering local installation and operating conditions and solar collector inclination angles. The overall dynamical model of the system was used for numerical simulations. The improved performance of the system was assessed by the reduction achieved on the annual energy consumption of a backup water heater when compared with a similar conventional energy storage system (without an adsorption module). The results showed that the best performances were obtained in locations where winter and summer are clearly defined, especially locations where winters are colder, and with solar collectors’ inclination angles larger than the local latitude, except for locations with low latitudes, where solar collectors’ inclination angles are not so relevant to the system performance. It was also discussed how the performance results must be carefully analyzed, as for low-latitude locations the absolute savings are in fact smaller even if their relative values are of the same order or even higher than for higher-latitude locations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage)
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Review

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35 pages, 5435 KiB  
Review
A Review of Thermochemical Energy Storage Systems for Power Grid Support
by Girolama Airò Farulla, Maurizio Cellura, Francesco Guarino and Marco Ferraro
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3142; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093142 - 30 Apr 2020
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 9757
Abstract
Power systems in the future are expected to be characterized by an increasing penetration of renewable energy sources systems. To achieve the ambitious goals of the “clean energy transition”, energy storage is a key factor, needed in power system design and operation as [...] Read more.
Power systems in the future are expected to be characterized by an increasing penetration of renewable energy sources systems. To achieve the ambitious goals of the “clean energy transition”, energy storage is a key factor, needed in power system design and operation as well as power-to-heat, allowing more flexibility linking the power networks and the heating/cooling demands. Thermochemical systems coupled to power-to-heat are receiving an increasing attention due to their better performance in comparison with sensible and latent heat storage technologies, in particular, in terms of storage time dynamics and energy density. In this work, a comprehensive review of the state of art of theoretical, experimental and numerical studies available in literature on thermochemical thermal energy storage systems and their use in power-to-heat applications is presented with a focus on applications with renewable energy sources. The paper shows that a series of advantages such as additional flexibility, load management, power quality, continuous power supply and a better use of variable renewable energy sources could be crucial elements to increase the commercial profitability of these storage systems. Moreover, specific challenges, i.e., life span and stability of storage material and high cost of power-to-heat/thermochemical systems must be taken in consideration to increase the technology readiness level of this emerging concept of energy systems integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State of the Art of Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage)
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