lämmönvarastomateriaaleja

Lämmönvarastomateriaalit, or thermal energy storage materials, are substances designed to absorb, store, and release thermal energy. These materials play a crucial role in improving energy efficiency and enabling the use of renewable energy sources by bridging the gap between intermittent energy generation and demand. They can be broadly categorized into three main types based on their storage mechanism: sensible heat, latent heat, and thermochemical heat.

Sensible heat storage materials store thermal energy by changing their temperature. Examples include water, concrete, and rock beds. Their storage capacity is directly proportional to their specific heat capacity and mass. While simple to implement, their energy density can be limited.

Latent heat storage materials, also known as phase change materials (PCMs), store and release thermal energy during a phase transition, such as melting or solidifying, at a nearly constant temperature. This allows for a much higher energy density compared to sensible heat storage. Common PCMs include paraffin waxes, salt hydrates, and fatty acids. Their effectiveness depends on the latent heat of fusion and the phase transition temperature.

Thermochemical heat storage materials utilize reversible chemical reactions to store and release heat. These materials can achieve very high energy densities and offer long-term storage capabilities with minimal heat loss. Examples include metal hydrides and salt decomposition/synthesis reactions. However, the systems are often more complex and expensive to implement.

The selection of a lämmönvarastomateriaali depends on various factors, including the required storage temperature, energy density, cost, durability, and safety considerations. These materials are vital for applications such as solar thermal systems, waste heat recovery, building climate control, and industrial processes.