Experimental Study on a Novel Thermochemical Energy Storage Pumping Pipe System

This paper presents the results of experiments conducted to investigate the performance of a novel thermochemical energy storage pumping pipe system, using two different synthesised composite adsorbent materials. A laboratory test rig system comprising of two sections namely; adsorption and evaporation/condensation sections, separated by a valve, was designed and constructed. The test rig was experimentally tested using composite adsorbents; Silica-gel and Calcium Chloride, and Silica-gel and Magnesium Sulfate. Experimental results showed a high temperature lift in adsorbents due to moisture adsorption in the test rig system, up to 60-73°C from an initial temperature of between 22-25°C, when both composite adsorbents were used. The proposed system could utilise off peak power or other low grade thermal energy sources for charging/adsorbent regeneration. The results also indicated that the novel system has the potential for high thermal energy storage and could be used for building heating and hot water applications.