Experimental Characterization of Magnetite Under Thermal Cycling For Thermocline Energy Storage

the present paper investigates the effect of thermal cycling on magnetite thermo physical characteristics particularly density, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity. The purpose was to evaluate the stability of the TESM and to emphasize its suitability for thermocline energy storage for medium temperature. Cycled magnetite was characterized and then compared to raw magnetite. Obtained results have shown that magnetite is a stable filler material, convenient for thermal energy storage. More important, thermal cycling impacts positively the studied material, it permits to get rid for the impurities present in the raw material. Furthermore, thermophysical properties of magnetite increase by applying thermal cycling. Keywords—magnetite; thermocline energy storage; thermal energy storage material; characterization; thermal cycling.