Advanced Latent Thermal Energy Storage for Space Cooling in the Tropics

Space cooling under tropical climatic conditions requires large amounts of energy. Ventilation and air conditioning systems should hence be improved for minimal consumption, while taking into account waste heat management and the urban heat island effect. Latent thermal energy storages are a potential solution here. Principles of low exergy, avoiding inefficient low operating temperatures, are merged with time shifting of cooling and optimal waste heat rejection. Results of this case study indicate unique capabilities to support system efficiency and reduce thermal impact in the proximity, while still being economically attractive. Encapsulated salt hydrates are considered as a storage material, since they provide melting enthalpies of around 200 kJ/kg at near-ambient temperature levels.