Sulfuric Acid--Water Chemical Heat Pump/Energy Storage System Demonstration

摘要

A chemical heat pump/thermal energy storage system has been designed, fabricated, and successfully tested under U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding. This first operational chemical heat pump is a key milestone in DOE's long-term thermal energy storage goals. The sulfuric acid/water chemical heat pump is suitable for both heating and cooling and has an inherent energy storage capability. Long-term storage appears promising for this system because the chemicals are stored at ambient temperature and are inexpensive. Moreover, temperatures required for charging (150 to 400 exp 0 F) are suitable for low-cost solar collectors; and both the mass and volumetric energy storage densities are considerably higher than alternatives such as ice or hot water storage. A summary of the research work conducted to date, including experimental test results is presented, and the applications, advantages, and factors affecting commercialization are discussed. (ERA citation 04:008339)