Assessment of PCM-Impregnated Zeolite as a Matrix for Latent Heat Storage

Abstract

In the context of energy economy and thermal comfort, phase change materials (PCMs) have many useful applications. In this study, type A zeolite was tested as a matrix for impregnating obtaining a PCM-impregnated zeolite. A sample of type A zeolite was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The porosity was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Following that, an apparatus was mounted for vacuum impregnation to incorporate calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2.6H2O), which is a PCM, in the pores of the zeolite. The impregnation and the retention of the phase change material in zeolites were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) on the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) to simulate thermal cycles testing to determine the thermal behavior of the compound. The results of the XRD and FTIR analyses showed that CaCl2.6H2O remains in the zeolite phase after the impregnation and the thermal cycling performed on the material shows that there is a positive influence on the thermal behavior of the impregnated material. Varying the amount of the studied PCM between 0 and 30 wt%, different grout boards were constructed. The thermal behavior of the PCM-impregnated zeolite compared to the reference material (pure zeolite) showed an effective temperature difference (38.1 to 33.9 °C), which can lead to significant energy savings.

The Effect of Zeolite/Chitosan Hybrid Matrix for Thermal-stabilization Enhancement on the Immobilization of Aspergillus fumigatus α-Amylase

“…Another peak at 1001.06 cm -1 was contributed to the Si-O, Al-O, and Si-O-Al stretching in the tetrahedral layer [38]. The bands at 1656.85 cm -1 and 3429.43 cm -1 were corresponded to the water molecules in its cavity and O-H groups, respectively [39,40]. In contrast, corresponding region between 1422 and 603 cm -1 in the FTIR spectrum of chitosan was confirmed as the CH3, CH2, CH, and O-H groups attached to the pyranose ring [41].…”

Combined “Renewable Energy–Thermal Energy Storage (RE–TES)” Systems: A Review

“…Another leading PCM is Glauber's salt, which is characterized by a high latent heat that can be used for heat storage, and its required phase-change temperature is well matched with that of solar systems [125] when used for heating and cooling with temperatures around its melting temperature (32.4 • C). Paraffin and zeolites have also been investigated as LTES candidates [126][127][128]. Most organic and inorganic PCMs melt between 0 and 120 • C and are desirable to possess technical and thermodynamic properties, such as high thermal conductivity, high latent heat of fusion, thermal stability, compatibility with the storage medium and heat transfer fluid, low toxicity, and environmental sustainability.…”

“…There is a body of research that has focused extensively on PCMs preparations and potential applications [125,127,128,[131][132][133][134][135]. Moreover, an innovative solution was developed by Yan Cao et al to address leakage and high flammability in PCMs through the creation of a series of leakage-proof phase change composites (PCCs) with excellent solar thermal conversion capabilities and superior flame retardancy.…”

“…Several studies that investigate solar energy combined with sensible TES employ technologies such as parabolic trough solar concentrators, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, and ambient solar radiation collectors [61,106,111,138]. Other studies focus on solar energy combined with latent TES, utilizing materials such as phase change materials (PCMs) and copper foam [128,139,140]. Wind energy is also considered in combination with various TES systems, including sensible storage using thermal energy grid storage and variable TES systems such as compressed air energy storage (CAES), pumped hydroelectric storage, and sodium-sulfur batteries [14,141,142].…”

Thermal Properties of Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials Based on Porous Supports for Thermal Energy Storage

“…Some promising results were obtained using diatomite [45,46] and sepiolite [47,48] to produce SSPCM. Only a few works deal with the use of zeolite as a shape stabilizer for PCM [49,50]. To the best of our knowledge, no information has been found regarding the use of natural zeolite as a structural material for shape stabilization of PCMs.…”