Lämmönsäilytysmateriaalit

Lämmönsäilytysmateriaalit, commonly referred to as thermal energy storage materials or phase change materials (PCMs), are substances that can absorb, store, and release large amounts of thermal energy. This energy is typically stored and released during the phase transition of the material, such as melting and solidification, or through solid-state structural changes. The primary benefit of using these materials is their ability to store heat at a relatively constant temperature, which is determined by the material's phase transition temperature.

These materials are broadly categorized into three types based on their operating temperature range: low-temperature PCMs (below 15°C), typically used for refrigeration and air conditioning; solid-solid PCMs (15-100°C), suitable for domestic hot water and solar thermal applications; and high-temperature PCMs (above 100°C), employed in industrial processes and concentrated solar power plants.

The selection of a PCM depends on its thermophysical properties, including melting point, latent heat of fusion, thermal conductivity, density, and chemical stability. Additionally, factors like cost, availability, safety, and environmental impact are crucial considerations for practical applications.

PCMs find applications in various fields, including building energy efficiency for thermal comfort and reduced heating/cooling loads, solar energy storage, waste heat recovery in industrial processes, thermal management of electronic devices, and thermal protection for transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. Their ability to store and release heat on demand offers a promising avenue for improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.