Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is the temporary storage of high or low temperature energy for later use. It bridges the time gap between energy requirement and energy use. For HVAC and refrigeration application purposes, water and water ice constitute the principal storage media.
Water has the advantage of universal availability and low cost but it can only be produced using inefficient low temperature refrigeration units if one wishes to use the latent heat capacity. If it is applied purely for sensible energy storage capacity it requires large storage tanks.
Phase Change Materials (PCM) between +4°C (39°F) and +90°C (242°F) range over comes the water disadvantages by combining the latent and sensible energy storage capacities into a single storage unit and therefore offer designers new horizons and practical application options.
PCM latent heat cool energy storage can be provided by utilising conventional water chillers for new and retrofit applications without the need for any modifications as well as having the possibility of free cooling.
By storing day-time warm energy for evening periods and over-night cool energy for day-time cooling requirements, a PCM system can simply bridge the gap between energy availability and energy use and therefore has the potential to achieve considerable environmental as well as economical benefits for many heating and cooling applications.
For more than a decade we have been involved in the development of Phase Change Materials (PCMs). With unrivalled experience in designing and advising on PCM installations and applications, we continue to push the boundaries in PCM usage for the benefit of our ever growing customer base.
In addition to our technical expertise, we offer (under the PlusICE branding) what we believe to be the most comprehensive range of PCM solutions currently available commercially (-100°C (-148°F) to +885°C (+1,625°F)).
From initial concept, research and development to production and distribution, our office and manufacturing facility in the UK and our Licensed outlets around the world offer bespoke products to meet unique customer requirements.
And of course, good ideas are not the exclusive right of PCM! Many of the non-standard applications are initiated by our customers, whether end-user or developer. Our technical team is happy to take ideas from conception through to completion including full commercialisation, with or without our production under a Licensee option.
web link: www.pcmproducts.net