Local Thermal Insulating Materials For Thermal Energy Storage

Abstract

Thermal insulation is one of the most important components of a thermal energy storage system. In this paper the thermal properties of selected potential local materials which can be used for high temperature insulation are presented. Thermal properties of seven different samples were measured. Samples consisted of: clay, kaolin, ash, banana fibres, sugarcane fibres, sawdust and charcoal dust. The thermal properties measured were, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity. The Quick thermal conductivity meter (QTM-500) was used to measure thermal conductivity at room temperature (approximately 25oC). Thermal diffusivity was determined using the Transient heat pulse technique and the specific heat capacity was calculated using the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and density of the samples. The effect of particle size and compaction pressure on the thermal conductivity of the selected samples is also presented.

Keywords: Thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal insulation, thermal energy storage systems

Rwanda Journal, Volume 23 Series C, 2011