Thermal Energy Storage Capacity on Mineral Zeolite
Abstract
This study analyses zeolite adsorption- systems based on the recovery of the residual heat generated in different urban processes. The quality and thermal storage capacity of natural zeolites has been experimentally evaluated focusing on the discharge process. This material is characterized by high porosity and cation exchange capacity, selective absorption and reversible hydration. Numerical models of natural zeolites define the geometry, boundary conditions and inlet variables. A specific prototype of zeolite reactor has been designed based on these numerical results. Different lab- experiments have been carried out, to evaluate natural zeolites performance under different conditions of drying (muffle, stove and desiccator) and operation. The sample is encapsulated in a cell and located in the middle position of a tube of about two meters length and outside air is blown through it. The empirical results show that the use of natural zeolites up to 8 cm size provides an increase in the temperature of the reactor due to heat conduction.