Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISCUnderPressure - Self-generating salt hydrate systems for heat storage under osmotic pressure
The UnderPressure project focuses on developing a novel, diffusion-open capsule for salt hydrates in order to meet the growing demand for thermal energy storage systems (TES) and close the gap between energy supply and demand.
In view of rising energy prices and the need for CO2-neutral solutions, the project aims to improve the efficiency of storing surplus heat generated by solar thermal systems, particularly in the summer months. The approach leverages the high energy density of salt hydrates and overcomes the challenges of conventional encapsulation methods by using a permeable shell that maintains an intelligent balance between external and osmotic pressures. The Fraunhofer ISC research team is playing a key role in the development of a diffusion-open encapsulation for salt hydrates.