2134/24715
Daniel Mahon
Daniel
Mahon
Gianfranco Claudio
Gianfranco
Claudio
Philip Eames
Philip
Eames
An experimental investigation to assess the potential of using MgSO<sub>4</sub> impregnation and Mg<sup>2+</sup> ion exchange to enhance the performance of 13X molecular sieves for interseasonal domestic thermochemical energy storage
Loughborough University
2017
Thermochemical energy storage
Magnesium Sulfate
Zeolite-Y
Molecular sieves
Ion exchange
Thermal analysis
Mechanical Engineering not elsewhere classified
2017-04-19 10:54:57
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/An_experimental_investigation_to_assess_the_potential_of_using_MgSO_sub_4_sub_impregnation_and_Mg_sup_2_sup_ion_exchange_to_enhance_the_performance_of_13X_molecular_sieves_for_interseasonal_domestic_thermochemical_energy_storage/9574259
The need to develop renewable heat sources for domestic space heating is a well known problem, for
solar thermal systems mismatch between generation and load is a major issue, and thermochemical
interseasonal heat storage offers a solution to this problem. Recent research has shown that using an
absorbent material as a host for salt hydrates can be advantageous in achieving a high energy density
material while alleviating the problematic practical characteristics, such as agglomeration, which salt
hydrates typically possess. In this paper results are presented for a 13X molecular sieve which was tested
to determine its potential for interseasonal domestic thermochemical energy storage alone and as a host
material for Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4). Two different impregnation preparation methods have been
utilised in our experiments, (i) a wetness impregnation method and (ii) a new method in which 13X
molecular sieve powders and MgSO4 are formed into pellets with use of a binder. The materials produced
by each method were tested against each other and compared to a zeolite-Y material to assess which is
the best candidate material for thermal energy storage. The impact of ion exchange on the energy storage
potential of the 13X materials was also investigated. Analysis of the materials characteristics and thermal
performance was conducted using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Thermogravimetric
Analyser (TGA) coupled with a Residual Gas Analyser (RGA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with
Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and a custom built fixed bed 200 g in-situ hydration and
dehydration chamber to assess the materials performance on a larger scale. The results demonstrate that
the thermochemical storage potential of the 13X molecular sieve was enhanced following a Mg2+ ion
exchange process, resulting in a maximum increased energy storage of approximately 14% (65 J/g) compared
to standard non treated 13X pellets.