Latenttilämpösäilytyksessä

Latenttilämpösäilytys, often translated as latent heat storage, is a method of storing thermal energy in materials that undergo a phase change. This phase change, such as melting or freezing, occurs at a specific temperature and allows the material to absorb or release large amounts of heat without a significant change in its own temperature. The energy stored is called latent heat.

Common materials used for latent heat storage are called phase change materials (PCMs). These can include paraffin waxes, salt hydrates, and fatty acids. When a PCM melts, it absorbs heat from its surroundings, effectively storing this energy. When the temperature drops below the PCM's melting point, it solidifies, releasing the stored heat. This reversible process makes PCMs suitable for thermal energy storage applications.

The primary advantage of latent heat storage is its high energy storage density compared to sensible heat storage, which relies solely on temperature changes. This means that a smaller volume of PCM can store the same amount of energy as a larger volume of conventional storage materials. Applications include building climate control, where PCMs can be integrated into walls or ceilings to moderate indoor temperatures, and in solar thermal systems for storing solar energy. The effectiveness of a PCM is determined by its melting point, latent heat capacity, and thermal conductivity.