Project objective
The project aims to develop high-performance thermal storage capsules in the millimeter range based on PCM-filled hollow metal spheres for a temperature range between 130°C and 350°C. Furthermore, the thermal and fluid dynamics properties of these PCM capsules are to be validated both as a static bed in a fluid flow and as additional heat capacity in a liquid heat transfer medium. The use of PCM capsules as additional heat capacity can reduce the required flow rate, pump power, and effective costs for the heat transfer fluid due to the associated increase in volumetric heat capacity.
Procedure
The project partners IFAM Dresden and Hollomet are responsible for the material development and optimization of the metal balls. ILK Dresden will select and characterize the PCM materials and heat transfer fluids for the intended temperature range and investigate their cycle life and service life. Another task for ILK will be to conduct and evaluate compatibility and corrosion tests on the materials used. In close cooperation with AEL, four different test benches will also be developed to test the dynamic behavior of the PCM balls for the most important parameters across a wide temperature range under realistic conditions.
