About the project
The main objective of LaTESt-CUT is to increase the operating temperature, and consequently, the efficiency of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. This ambitious objective will be tackled in two complementary directions. First, we will screen different novel metallic phase change materials (mPCM), containing sustainable elements, high energy densities, and aiming to operate at temperatures above 1000 °C. Afterwards, we will synthesis the best mPCM composition for testing. Second, we will design and manufacture a prototype of the container for the mPCM, which must withstand the aggressive operating conditions such as high temperature, mechanical stresses and extreme corrosion. It is based on ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), particularly on SiC reinforced with continuous SiC fibers. Once, the mPCM and the CMC container prototype are performed, we will validate and test them experimentally under realistic operating conditions and simulating all the thermal and mechanical phenomena.
