Using demolition wastes from urban regeneration as sensible thermal energy storage material

Efficient use of solar energy in industrial applications calls for a cost-effective thermal energy storage (TES) system. Packed bed is a viable technology for high-temperature TES applications. The packing material acting as the TES material has to be sustainable with favorable thermal properties and compatible with the heat transfer fluid. Demolition wastes-leftovers from urban regeneration projects-in many countries are a big burden economically and environmentally. This paper aims to investigate the potential of using demolition wastes as sensible thermal energy storage (STES) material in packed bed column for industrial solar applications below 300 degrees C. STES material samples have been prepared using binding additives with demolition waste dust. Chemical composition, mechanical strength, and thermal analysis tests have been carried out to determine suitability of STES samples. The DSC results showed that new STES samples had average specific heat capacity of 1000 to 1460 J/kg C in temperature range of 100 degrees C to 500 degrees C. The samples were thermally stable until 750 degrees C under TGA analysis. These results showed that demolition wastes are potential low-cost sensible heat storage material for applications up to 750 degrees C. Furthermore, valorization of demolition wastes as sensible heat storage material is a sustainable approach in reducing fossil fuel consumption of high-temperature industrial applications and avoiding the use of natural resources as packing material.