Investigations of thermal energy storage in the charge with capsules of calcium chloride hexahydrate

Abstract

Storage of thermal energy in the heating systems using solar energy is imperative. Heat storage using the phase change seems attractive. This enables to store a larger amount of energy in a smaller charge volume. Furthermore, the temperature of charge material during the process of phase change remains almost constant. The adventages of heat storage using phase change were revealed when air was used as a heat transfer fluid. The objective of our study was to identify the amound of thermal energy, which can be stored in the charge with calcium chloride hexahydrate capsules, when the air is used as a heat transfer fluid. Experimentals tests were carried out. Experimental evidence suggests that, when the temperature of charge with calcium chloride hexahydrate capsules varies from 15 to 33° C and the index of close-set of capsules is 30%, it accumulates 92.27 MJ of heat, calculated per one m³ of charge. Melting time of heat storage charge with these capsules was established.