Miscibility gap alloys with inverse microstructures and high thermal conductivity for high energy density thermal storage applications

New high energy-density thermal storage materials are proposed which use miscibility gap binary alloy systems to operate through the latent heat of fusion of one component dispersed in a thermodynamically stable matrix. Using trial systems Al-Sn and Fe-Cu, we demonstrate the development of the required inverse microstructure (low melting point phase embedded in high melting point matrix) and excellent thermal storage potential. Several other candidate systems are discussed. It is argued that such systems offer enhancement over conventional phase change thermal storage by using high thermal conductivity microstructures (50-400 W/m K); minimum volume of storage systems due to high energy density latent heat of fusion materials (0.2-2.2 MJ/L); and technical utility through adaptability to a great variety of end uses. Low (<300 degrees C), mid (300-400 degrees C) and high (600-1400 degrees C) temperature options exist for applications ranging from space heating and process drying to concentrated solar thermal energy conversion and waste heat recovery. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.