TESLAB: Laboratory for the assessment of materials for thermal storage systems

The performance of phase change materials (PCM) for latent storage is usually evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or T-history techniques. Nevertheless, it is important to check their behaviour under service conditions in order to assure their feasibility as storage media. For this purpose, this laboratory has three set ups: HDR and AgH devices, where the PCM is tested in atmospheric air, and SUBMA where the PCM is tested in inert atmospheres. The main features of these devices are the following:


The HDR device.
HDR:
  • Small furnace under ambient air atmosphere
  • Accurate control of heating/cooling rates
  • Sample temperature monitoring
  • Allows melting/freezing cycles up to 500ºC
  • Subsequent cycles or cycles with stand-by periods
  • Sample size: 2-5 g



The SUBMA device.
SUBMA:
  • Small closed device inside a furnace
  • Allows tests under inert atmosphere (N2, Ar)
  • Furnace temperature and gas flow control
  • Sample temperature monitoring
  • Allows melting/freezing cycles up to 500ºC
  • Subsequent cycles or cycles with stand-by periods
  • Sample size: 30-40 g



The AgH device.
AgH:
  • Furnace under ambient air atmosphere
  • Accurate control of heating and cooling
  • Allows melting/freezing cycles up to 350ºC
  • Subsequent cycles or cycles with stand-by periods
  • Sample size: 10-20g