Lämpövarastointiaine

Lämpövarastointiaine, often translated as thermal energy storage material or heat storage material, refers to substances or materials designed to absorb, store, and release thermal energy. The primary purpose of these materials is to manage the temperature of a system or environment over time, often to improve energy efficiency or comfort. This can involve storing heat generated during periods of high availability or low demand for later use during periods of low availability or high demand.

These materials function based on their thermophysical properties, primarily their specific heat capacity and latent heat of fusion. Materials with high specific heat capacity can store a large amount of heat by simply increasing their temperature. Phase change materials (PCMs) are a significant category of lämpövarastointiaine. PCMs store and release thermal energy at a nearly constant temperature as they undergo a phase transition, typically from solid to liquid and vice versa. This latent heat storage is often more efficient than sensible heat storage, as it allows for a higher energy density within a smaller volume and a more stable temperature output.

Common examples of lämpövarastointiaine include water, which has a high specific heat capacity, and various salts and organic compounds used as PCMs, such as paraffin waxes, hydrated salts, and fatty acids. Applications for these materials are diverse, ranging from building climate control and solar energy systems to thermal management in electronics and industrial processes. By effectively storing and releasing heat, lämpövarastointiaine can contribute to reduced energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and improved reliability of energy supply.