Lämpövarastomateriaalien

Lämpövarastomateriaalit, or thermal energy storage materials, are substances designed to absorb, store, and release thermal energy. These materials are crucial for improving the efficiency and reliability of energy systems by bridging the gap between energy supply and demand. They operate by undergoing a change in their physical state or temperature.

There are several main categories of thermal energy storage materials. Sensible heat storage materials store heat by increasing their temperature. Water, rocks, and concrete are common examples. Latent heat storage materials utilize phase transitions, such as melting or solidifying, to store and release large amounts of thermal energy at a nearly constant temperature. Salt hydrates and paraffin waxes are frequently used in this category. Thermochemical heat storage materials involve reversible chemical reactions to store and release heat, offering high energy densities but often facing challenges in material stability and reaction kinetics.

The selection of a thermal energy storage material depends on various factors, including the required operating temperature range, energy density, cost, safety, and environmental impact. Applications for these materials are widespread, ranging from domestic hot water systems and building heating and cooling to industrial process heat management and large-scale grid energy storage. By storing surplus energy when it's abundant and releasing it when needed, thermal energy storage materials contribute significantly to renewable energy integration and overall energy system optimization.