Material and method for storing thermal energy

摘要

Preparing impregnated zeolite comprises: preparing an aqueous solution of hygroscopic mineral salt having enthalpy of dehydration (delta H-dehydration) of at least 1200 KJ/Kg; impregnating a zeolite with the obtained aqueous solution; evaporating any water from the aqueous solution in contact with zeolite; and drying the impregnated zeolite obtained in evaporation step by heating to a temperature of 120-250[deg] C for duration of at least 10 hours. Independent claims are included for: (1) the impregnated zeolite of at least one hygroscopic mineral salt obtained by the process; and (2) a process for storing and releasing the thermal energy comprising heating the impregnated zeolite of at least one hygroscopic mineral salt until a temperature and for a time sufficient to dehydrate at least optionally the impregnated zeolite, conservation and/or transporting the optionally dehydrated impregnated zeolite to dry, and exposing the optionally dehydrated impregnated zeolite to water vapor, optionally mixing with other inert gases including air.