Composite Material for Storing Water And/or Heat

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention discloses a composite material designed for efficient and reversible storage of water and/or heat. The material consists of a polysaccharide acid or salt matrix (such as alginates or pectinates) incorporating at least one activated salt (such as CaCl2, MgCl2, or MgSO4). By hydrating (absorbing water) or dehydrating (releasing water), the embedded salt allows the material to absorb or emit heat, enabling its use as a thermochemical energy or water storage medium. The composite is engineered for high cyclic stability, high storage density, and straightforward manufacturing.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Thermochemical heat storage for buildings to store excess solar or industrial heat for later use (e.g., space heating/cooling).
• Water harvesting and recovery from ambient air in arid regions, providing a potential source of potable or utility water.
• Thermal batteries for portable or off-grid energy solutions where controllable heat release is required.
• Industrial waste heat recovery systems to store and later utilize process heat.
• Conditioning or moisture management of sensitive goods (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals) during storage and transport.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High energy and water storage density per material volume (compactness).
• Reversible operation over many cycles without significant material degradation, enhancing longevity.
• Partial or fully adjustable heat release, unlike phase-change materials that discharge all heat at once.
• Materials are potentially biocompatible and derived from renewable sources (e.g., alginates from algae).
• Improved mass transfer and accessibility due to porous host structure, leading to faster hydration/dehydration dynamics.
• Scalable and simple manufacturing methods, including formation of spherical particles for better flow and handling.
• Potential to customize working temperature and humidity ranges by selecting different embedded salts.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a composite material for storing water and/or heat. The invention particularly relates to a composite material having a host structure based on polysaccharide acids or salts, and at least one activated salt inserted into the host structure, which can store or release heat by hydration and dehydration.