High density thermal energy storage adsorption materials.

Except from geothermal energy the common renewables are directly dependent on actual weather and even with a complex and strong distribution grid it is problematic to achieve smooth flow of energy from production sites to places of final consumption at all times. To compensate for the non-continuous pattern solutions like backup power sources usually working on fossil fuels has to be considered. But these solutions are only partial and from the future perspective and additional CO2 emissions unacceptable. Adsorption thermal storage systems offer one of the modern satisfactory solutions. These systems offer significantly higher energy density than water, possibility of storing thermal energy for a long period of time without any significant losses and adsorption storage systems also allow storing of negative thermal potential allowing storing of “cold” using the same system. But to exploit all the advantages and prepare this technology for full deployment significant amount of research is still necessary. Basic materials like zeolites or silica gels, which are common adsorption materials, have insufficient energy-adsorption properties and without substantial surface adjustments their application does not bring meaningful improvement compared to common solution in form of water storing. The focus of this work is introduction and comparison of novel adsorption materials and their derivatives which are gradually getting into focus and are perceived as a new drive for further progress in the field of thermal energy storing. Especially mesoporous silica and aluminophosphates are promising materials showing Type IV/V isotherms which seem to be the most advantageous for energy storing.