
PhaseTube - Water-guided PCM Storage
Storage for Heating or CoolingThe PhaseTube is an innovative thermal energy storage system based on the use of phase change materials (PCMs). These materials enable highly efficient heat storage, which can be released quickly and precisely when needed. The storage system utilizes the physical effect of phase change: A salt hydrate PCM absorbs latent heat when melting and releases it again when solidifying. The PhaseTube combines cutting-edge PCM technology with water-based systems in building technology. The connection to systems is simple, requiring only the connection of the supply and return lines.
Functionality:
The PhaseTube storage system consists of a plastic heat exchanger in tubular form, completely enveloped by the PCM. When the temperature exceeds the specific melting point of the material, the salt hydrate begins to melt and stores a large amount of thermal energy—without a significant change in the temperature of the storage system. Later, as the temperature drops, the material solidifies and releases the stored heat with a time delay. PCM storage systems can be realized from -21°C to +58°C. The shape can be customized to specific requirements. The systems are space-saving, have a high capacity per volume, and enable the use of narrow temperature ranges. Heat can be stored anytime, such as when energy is available cheaply, for example, from solar panels on the roof or during dynamic electricity pricing. This helps reduce energy costs, save CO2, and even implement autonomous systems.
Application Areas:
Typical applications for PhaseTube include:
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Climate control and temperature regulation of buildings (heating and cooling)
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Industrial cooling and storage rooms, for example in the food or pharmaceutical industry
Advantages of PhaseTube Technology:
A significant advantage of PhaseTube technology over conventional PCM storage systems is the high specific heat exchanger surface area per unit volume. This ensures a fast and efficient heat transfer between the carrier medium and the storage material. This advantage is especially important when dealing with dynamic thermal loads—i.e., frequently changing temperature conditions—and enables high efficiency.
More technical details are available here. Further temperature options are available upon request.
Technical Specifications for Various Sizes:
Container 10" - 16m³ | Container 20" - 33m³ | Container 40" - 68m³ | |||||||
melting point (SP-Series) | Power | Capacity | Cost | Power | Capacity | Cost | Power | Capacity | Cost |
9°C | 180kW | 750kWh | 201.000€ | 375kW | 1500kWh | 283.000€ | 750kW | 3000kWh | 452.000€ |
31°C | 250kW | 1000kWh | 204.000 € | 500kW | 2000kWh | 288.000€ | 1000kW | 4000kWh | 464.000€ |
40°C | 125kW | 550kWh | 266.000 € | 325kW | 1300kWh | 414.000€ | 650kW | 2600kWh | 714.000€ |
50°C | 250kW | 1100kWh | 250.000 € | 550kW | 2200kWh | 380.000€ | 1125kW | 4500kWh | 647.000€ |
58°C | 250kW | 1100kWh | 215.000 € | 550kW | 2200kWh | 312.000€ | 1125kW | 4500kWh | 510.000€ |
technical information, cylindrical shape:
volume | 0,5 to 2m³ |
storage capacity | 32 to 130 kWh |
charging and discharging time | 3 to 8h |
size (L/W/H) | 600-1200 x 2000mm |
weight | 700 to 2.700kg |
connections | 3/4" to 1" |
technical infromation, square shape:
volume | 2 to 10m³ |
storage capacity | 130 to 650 kWh |
charging and discharging time | 3 to 8h |
size (L/W/H) | individual |
weight | 3.000 to 14.000kg |
connections | 1" to 3" |