Thermal Energy Storage System by Solid Absorption for Electric Automobile Heating and Air-Conditioning

The thermochemical energy storage could be a suitable solution for heating and air conditioning electric vehicles. This paper gives the results of a preliminary study engaged to test the STELF process using the metallic chloride/ammonia couple. Among the large number of solid/gas couples available, the MnCl₂/NH₃ couple features an energy storage capacity of about 180 Wh and 90 Wh per kg of reactive and answers to an automotive application temperature respectively for the heating and the cooling. In winter, the reactor can provide heating to warm the passenger compartment but also to the outer evaporator heat exchanger to avoid the icing up phenomenon. Simulations show the thermodynamic feasibility of the process in the heating, cooling and regeneration modes in order to warm up, air condition and preheat respectively the electric car passenger compartment.