Novel geopolymer for use as a sensible storage option in high temperature thermal energy storage systems

Abstract

In the current study a novel geopolymer created from waste materials (namely fly ash and black slag) has been characterised as a potential high temperature thermal energy storage material option. Several geopolymer samples have been fabricated and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the density and heat capacity have been determined. Lastly, the cost of the material and packed bed system was estimated showing that the geopolymer-based systems are potentially 35% cheaper than the traditional 2-tank molten salt systems.