A sustainable bio‐adsorbent for thermal energy storage for space heating applications

Abstract

Thermal energy storage is an emerging technology that allows the storage of heat when it is available, which can be used later. One of the available technologies for thermal energy storage is the adsorption of moisture from air by adsorbents. Several adsorbents have been studied in the literature for this application, but there is a need for a sustainable adsorbent that can be ecofriendly, cost effective, and available for scale-up for commercialization of the technology. The current paper focused on the synthesis of a flax shives-based composite (equal weight percent of flax shives and salt hydrates) prepared by the impregnation method and its application in thermal energy storage. The composite showed durability, stability, and reasonable energy storage density with a very low cost per unit of energy. The structural characterization of the hybrid was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The thermal energy storage density, as well as the charging/discharging characteristics were measured using a laboratory-scale thermal energy storage apparatus. The flax/CaCl 2 /LiCl hybrid showed reasonable energy storage density at 74 kWh/m 3 for 50% inlet relative humidity after regeneration at 120 C. Although the energy storage density was not high, the flax/CaCl 2 composite was found to be the most cost-effective material, as it showed the lowest cost per energy stored at 0.98 CAD/kWh at 50% relative humidity (RH) after regeneration at 120 C.

Vermiculite/LiCl Composite for Adsorption Thermal Energy Storage

“…The synthesis procedure was the same as used by Shervani et al [3]. 10 g of Vermiculite, 10 g LiCl, 5 ml ethanol and 100 ml of deionized (DI) water were mixed in a glass beaker and the solution was stirred for 24 hours at room temperature.…”

“…However, due to the inconsistent output of solar thermal energy, the energy that is produced cannot be fully utilized. So, thermal energy storage systems have emerged as a promising technology to utilize the solar thermal energy to the fullest extent [2,3]. Adsorption thermal energy storage is gathering more attention among the researchers as it exhibits high energy storage density, durability and can be used for long term energy storage applications [4].…”

Free Standing Mixed Matrix Membranes for Carbon Capture

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Climate change due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has catastrophic effects on global ecosystems and communities. The mitigation of climate change can be achieved by using renewable energy sources and by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2), the major GHG accounting for 76% of total emissions [1][2][3]. Therefore, it is essential for the sustainability of the planet to develop CO2-capturing technology and utilize it in productive ways, such as in enhanced oil recovery, the manufacture of fuels, building materials, and storage in underground geologic formations.

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71st Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference 2021—Energy symposium: Special issue section in The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering

“…Ahmadi et al [4] present a molecular dynamics simulation study on the effect of bitumen molecular fractions on the diffusivity and rheology of bitumen under high-temperature conditions. Finally, Shevani et al [5] synthesize and evaluate a sustainable bio-adsorbent for thermal-energy storage for space-heating applications.The papers in this special issue section-which cover experimental studies, modelling work, and impact analysisrepresent the variety of technological investigations and proposed solutions discussed during the symposium. KEYWORDS alternative energy sources, CO 2 utilization, energy storage, oil and gas AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS Clémence Fauteux-Lefebvre: Writingoriginal draft; writingreview and editing.…”

“…Ahmadi et al [ 4 ] present a molecular dynamics simulation study on the effect of bitumen molecular fractions on the diffusivity and rheology of bitumen under high‐temperature conditions. Finally, Shevani et al [ 5 ] synthesize and evaluate a sustainable bio‐adsorbent for thermal‐energy storage for space‐heating applications.…”