Sustainable Energy Storage with LECA and Gas: A Scalable Alternative to Dense Sand Batteries

This study introduces a novel thermal energy storage system utilizing Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) in combination with high-conductivity gas circulation, offering a scalable alternative to traditional sand batteries. The proposed system enhances heat distribution through LECA's porous structure while eliminating the need for embedded piping. A one-dimensional transient heat transfer model was developed to evaluate performance, simulating helium gas injection into a LECA-packed bed. The results demonstrate that under high-temperature conditions (۶۰۰ °C), the LECA bed achieves thermal saturation within about ۱۱,۰۰۰ seconds, storing up to ۷۴.۱۸ kWh with over ۸۰% efficiency in a closed-loop configuration. This approach supports circular construction principles and is especially applicable to decentralized energy systems in cold climates. It offers economic and environmental advantages over conventional solutions, making it suitable for space heating, combined heat and power (CHP), and grid-interactive renewable integration.

کلیدواژه ها:

Thermal Energy Storage ، Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) ، Renewable Energy Integration ، Circular Construction ، Sand Batteries