Experimental characterization of a lab-scale adsorption thermal storage based on the LiCl/Vermiculite composite

Composites based on hydrated salts and mesoporous materials represent a very promising choice suitable for adsorption thermal storage. The present paper deals with the study of the composite water sorbent based on expanded vermiculite impregnated with LiCl. After a brief presentation of the preparation method and the properties of the LiCl/Vermiculite composite, the paper reports the results of experimental investigation, under typical working boundary conditions, at prototype level both for seasonal (SS) and daily (DS) storage. Results showed that the specific stored energy, per mass and volume unit, measured is up to 1.25 kJ/gsorbent and 135 kJ/m3adsorber at 85°C charging temperature, with average heating power of 500 W.