Phase-change materials (PCM) can be used to great effect wherever a high volumetric storage density is required within a narrow temperature range.

Thermal storage systems are becoming increasingly important in an energy sector where a growing proportion of electricity comes from fluctuating sources. One method of thermal storage involves the use of phase-change materials (PCM), in which heat is stored through a reversible phase transition.

The efficient use of PCM in technical processes generally requires the storage system to be tailored to the specific storage task at hand. Externally specified parameters such as storage temperature, storage capacity, driving temperature differentials and the type of heat transfer have a significant influence on the choice of storage material, the design of the storage system and its integration into the technical system. This coordination process requires in-depth knowledge of chemical, physical and technical relationships, which ILK staff have acquired through publicly and privately funded projects on latent heat storage.To ensure the storage system is optimally adapted to the energy system, amongst other things, simulations, laboratory-based material analyses (DSC, compatibility tests, T-history...), material optimisations (nucleating agents, thickening agents...) and performance tests on a pilot scale are carried out.