About this Research Topic
Global cold demand accounts for approximately 10-20% of total electricity consumption and is increasing at a rate of approximately 13% per year. It is expected that by the middle of the next century, the energy consumption of cold demand will exceed that of heat demand. Thermochemical energy storage using salt hydrates and phase change energy storage using phase change materials offer the advantages of high heat storage density, minimal heat loss, and adaptability for seasonal storage. These methods are effective in providing clean heating along with renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, to achieve carbon neutrality. Solar thermal power generation technology can be combined with thermal energy storage (TES) and traditional fuels. This combination offers a high degree of schedulability and plays a significant role in addressing the spatial-temporal mismatch, supply-demand imbalances, and volatility issues of renewable energy.
Improving various aspects of cold chain logistics—including refrigeration, cold storage, cold release, and management—can solve the problem of chain breakage. Due to unsuitable material formulations and structural designs, heat storage reactors face limitations such as low thermal power, poor cycle stability, and short service life. Addressing these issues involves developing high-performance composite phase change materials and salt hydrates, studying reactors on both micro- and nano-scales, and optimizing reactor structures. Solar thermal power generation systems require high working temperatures, stability, and high energy storage density in heat transfer and storage media. The need for sustainable, cost-effective energy storage can be addressed by conducting a techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment to develop low-carbon solutions.
The themes of this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
1. Formulation and characterization of phase change and thermochemical cold storage materials.
2. Thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of storage and release of cold storage materials.
3. Characteristics and regulation of phase change interfaces in energy storage materials.
4. Dynamic characteristics and process enhancement of cold storage devices.
5. Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly energy management solutions.
Improving various aspects of cold chain logistics—including refrigeration, cold storage, cold release, and management—can solve the problem of chain breakage. Due to unsuitable material formulations and structural designs, heat storage reactors face limitations such as low thermal power, poor cycle stability, and short service life. Addressing these issues involves developing high-performance composite phase change materials and salt hydrates, studying reactors on both micro- and nano-scales, and optimizing reactor structures. Solar thermal power generation systems require high working temperatures, stability, and high energy storage density in heat transfer and storage media. The need for sustainable, cost-effective energy storage can be addressed by conducting a techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment to develop low-carbon solutions.
The themes of this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
1. Formulation and characterization of phase change and thermochemical cold storage materials.
2. Thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of storage and release of cold storage materials.
3. Characteristics and regulation of phase change interfaces in energy storage materials.
4. Dynamic characteristics and process enhancement of cold storage devices.
5. Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly energy management solutions.
Keywords: Heat and mass transfer, Thermal management application, Phase change energy storage, Thermochemical energy storage, Molten salt heat storage, Eutectic molten salt heat storage, Integrated energy management solution
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