Thermal‐energy storage in crosslinked pellets of high‐density polythylene for home heating and cooling via off‐peak electric power utilization

摘要

AbstractElectron beam crosslinking of high‐denisty polyethylene (HDPE) was studied to obtain pellets for phase‐change thermal‐energy storage that retain their original shape and form through repeated melt/freeze cycles, and thus “serve as their own container.” Electron‐beam voltage, amperage, atmosphere, pellet‐bed depth, traverse rate, and total dose were varied to establish cost/effective conditions for adequate thermal from stability combined with highest retention of heat of fusion. The results of electron beam crosslinking are compared with chemical crosslinking in cost and effectiveness. Utility of the electron‐beam crosslinked HDPE pellets in a low‐cost, efficient pellet‐bed heat exchanger was demonstrated. Potential applications discussed include thermal storage for home heating and cooling, industrial processing, and off‐peak electric utilizat