Tunable endothermic plateau for enhancing thermal energy storage obtained using binary metal alloy particles. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lai, Chih-Chung; Lin, Shih-Ming; Chu, Yuan-Da; Chang, Chun-Che; Chueh, Yu-Lun; Lu, Ming-Chang
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 25(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Thermal energy storage -- Latent heat -- Tunable endothermic plateau -- SnxZn1−x/SiOx core–shell alloy particles; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.02.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal energy storage is crucial for various industrial systems. Enhancements in energy storage induced by latent heat have been demonstrated by using phase-change materials. However, these enhancements occur only at the melting points of the materials. In this study, we demonstrated the controllability of latent heat absorption/release in a certain temperature range. A wide endothermic plateau from 370 to 407 °C for the Hitec salt was obtained by releasing the latent heat of alloy particles embedded in the salt. The alloy particle-doped salt was applied to a Stirling engine to demonstrate its effectiveness in enhancing the energy and power outputs of the engine. Compared to pure salt, the alloy particle-doped salt can enhance the engine's energy output by 21%. With the advantages of scalable synthesis and superior thermal properties, the alloy particles have potential applications in energy storage enhancement in various thermal energy systems. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Sn x Zn1− x /SiO x core–shell alloy particles were synthesized successfully. Control of latent heat absorption/release in a certain temperature range is achieved. A wide endothermic plateau from 370 to 407 °C for the Hitec salt was obtained. Compared to pure salt, the alloy particle-doped salt can enhance the engine's energy output by 21%.