University Research

Decarbonization Avenue University research @ CLIMAX

A new way to store thermal energy

Objective/theme

A new chemical composite developed by researchers at MIT could be used to store heat from the sun or any other source during the day in a kind of thermal battery, and it could release the heat when needed.

Process & benefits

The new system uses molecular switches that change shape in response to light; when integrated into the PCM, the phase-change temperature of the hybrid material can be adjusted with light, allowing the thermal energy of the phase change to be maintained even well below the melting point of the original material.

The hybrid material melts when heated, and after being exposed to ultraviolet light, it stays melted even when cooled back down.