Carbonated foam for thermal energy storage

Presentation

Most energy storage technologies use water, which exhibits a rather low energy density. Its usage is also not recommended for long time storage, because thermal loses become significant. An alternative is to use phase changing material, which allows storing and returning energy and display a higher energy density. However, these materials have a low thermal conductivity, which penalize storage/unstorage times. 

The LERMAB laboratory of the University of Lorraine has developed a foam that is light, inert, good heat conductor, and cheap. It enables seasonal thermal energy storage reservoirs characterized by slow storage/unstorage of 1 to 14 weeks.

Competitive advantages

• Natural origin product;
• Low cost (lower than 5 €/kg);
• Light, good heat conductor.
  

Application/Markets

• Seasonal energy storage reservoirs for building industry.
  

Intellectual property

• Patent deposited;
• Collaboration sought: license for process industrialization and commercialization;
• Readiness level: synthesis process validated at the laboratory scale.
  

Laboratory

LERMAB Laboratory