Article

Loughborough University has created a thermal energy storage (TES) system utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) for domestic heating. This innovative system aims to enhance energy storage efficiency and decrease heat loss, making it suitable for home applications.

The TES system can store heat during low-cost periods, alleviating pressure on electricity grids during peak times. Researchers built three modular units, each capable of storing around 3.5kWh of heat, with the latest model maintaining temperatures above 50°C for nearly 7 days. The design improves insulation and heat transfer, proving effective for low-carbon heating alongside heat pumps, and is adaptable for residential use.