Building a Thermal Energy Storage System: What Additive Can I Use?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on building a thermal energy storage system using water as a phase change material (PCM) in spherical capsules. The freezing process of water is problematic, initiating only at approximately -12°C under pressure. To address this, participants suggest using glycol-based additives, which lower the freezing point, or salts like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, which can raise the freezing point of water to facilitate storage at 0°C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal energy storage systems
  • Knowledge of phase change materials (PCMs)
  • Familiarity with additives such as glycols and salts
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics and freezing point depression
NEXT STEPS
  • Research glycol-based additives for thermal energy storage systems
  • Investigate the properties and applications of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride
  • Explore the design and injection methods for spherical capsules
  • Study the thermodynamic principles behind freezing point depression
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, researchers, and developers involved in thermal energy storage solutions, particularly those looking to optimize the freezing process of phase change materials.

alexwin_75
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im working on building a simple thermal energy storage system...im using water as phase change material.The PCM will be injected into spherical capsules and dropped into a storage tank.Now my problem is that the freezing process initiates only at arnd -12 C.Remember it is under pressure..
Though I am not filling the capsule completely.I need to add some quantity of additives to raise the freezing point of water and get it back to 0 c...
Silver Iodide i cannot use since the solution cannot be properly injected into
my spherical capsules...any ideas?
what additive should i add ?
 
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Have you considered using glycol-based additives? Glycols are often used as antifreeze, and they can be injected into spherical capsules. They work by lowering the freezing point of the water and making it easier to store in a liquid state. You can also look into calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. These are both salts that can be used to raise the freezing point of water.
 

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