Abstract
In this work, novel silicone-SAPO34 composite materials are proposed for application in adsorption thermal energy storage systems. The innovative composite materials were obtained through a mold foaming process activated by a dehydrogenative coupling reaction between properly selected siloxane compounds. Morphology analysis by optical microscopy and measurement of the mechanical properties of the foamed materials at varying zeolite content demonstrated a quite homogeneous open-cell structure and good structural stability of the foam. Water adsorption isotherms of the adsorbent foams expanded in free space and inside paperboard were measured by a gravimetric adsorption apparatus, demonstrating that the presence of the polymeric fraction does not affect the adsorption capacity of the SAPO34 fraction added in the composite foam. Finally, main adsorption and thermodynamic properties of the proposed foam have been compared with those of other adsorbent materials, confirming the possible use of these new composite foams as adsorbent materials for adsorption thermal energy storage systems.
Highlights
A major research topic in the field of adsorption systems for solar thermal energy storage, air-conditioning and dehumidification processes involves the development of new or modified adsorbent materials with enhanced adsorption and thermo-physical properties, low cost, high stability, and low regeneration temperature [1,2,3,4,5]
Possible adsorbent classes are zeolites, silica gels, activated carbons, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and composite adsorbents made of a sorbent matrix embedding a hygroscopic salt [6]
Composite Foams Obtained through Almost Free Expansion Process
Summary
A major research topic in the field of adsorption systems for solar thermal energy storage, air-conditioning and dehumidification processes involves the development of new or modified adsorbent materials with enhanced adsorption and thermo-physical properties, low cost, high stability, and low regeneration temperature [1,2,3,4,5]. In closed systems research on components optimization is mainly focused on the integration between heat exchanger and adsorbent material, to create the so called adsorber [10]. Two different approaches are currently under investigation: embedding a granular adsorbent in the heat exchanger [11]; coating the heat exchanger with the adsorbent material either using a binder [12] or by direct synthesis of the zeolite over the metallic surface of the heat exchanger [13]. The first approach allows good heat transfer efficiency without significantly affecting the vapor diffusion through the adsorber if a proper grain size and dispersion is selected [14]
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