CIEMAT-PSA published a scientific publication about SFERA-III in the June 2019 issue of the International Journal of Energy Research. The paper is available in open access.
Abstract
Long‐term stability and long‐term performance of thermal storage media are a key issue that should be thoroughly analysed when developing storage systems. However, no testing protocol or guideline exists up to now for validating storage media, so that authors apply their own criteria, not only for designing testing procedures but also for predicting the material behaviour under long‐term operation. This paper aims to cover this gap by proposing a methodology for validating thermal storage media; in particular, phase change materials (PCMs). This methodology consists of different stages that include PCM characterization, preliminary assessment tests, and accelerated life testing. For designing the accelerated life tests, lifetime relationship models have to be obtained in order to predict PCM long‐term behaviour under service conditions from shorter tests performed under stress conditions. The approach followed in this methodology will be valid for materials to be used as sensible or thermochemical storage media, too.
ΔHph‐ch vs Tph‐ch for potential PCMs. The temperature ranges required by different thermal storage application have been indicated as well
References
Authors: Rocío Bayón, Esther Rojas
Published in: Int J Energy Res. 2019;43 :6521–6541.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 823802