Microwave impregnation of porous materials with thermal energy storage materials

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:868740

Benson, David K ^[1]; Burrows, Richard W ^[2]

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1. Golden, CO
2. Conifer, CO

A method for impregnating a porous, non-metallic construction material with a solid phase-change material is described. The phase-change material in finely divided form is spread onto the surface of the porous material, after which the porous material is exposed to microwave energy for a time sufficient to melt the phase-change material. The melted material is spontaneously absorbed into the pores of the porous material. A sealing chemical may also be included with the phase-change material (or applied subsequent to the phase-change material) to seal the surface of the porous material. Fire retardant chemicals may also be included with the phase-change materials. The treated construction materials are better able to absorb thermal energy and exhibit increased heat storage capacity.

• Research Organization: Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, MO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5202150
• OSTI ID: 868740
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

microwave
impregnation
porous
materials
thermal
energy
storage
method
impregnating
non-metallic
construction
material
solid
phase-change
described
finely
divided
form
spread
surface
exposed
time
sufficient
melt
melted
spontaneously
absorbed
pores
sealing
chemical
included
applied
subsequent
seal
fire
retardant
chemicals
treated
absorb
exhibit
increased
heat
capacity
melted material
heat storage
change materials
change material
porous material
time sufficient
microwave energy
energy storage
thermal energy
finely divided
solid phase
porous materials
wave energy
storage capacity
storage material
phase-change material
exhibit increased
construction materials
fire retardant
increased heat
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