Work Packages

The SAM.SSA project is divided into 8 work packages: 6 scientific ones and two for ensuring the smooth implementation of the project ("Management") and the proper dissemination and exploitation of the project outcomes ("Dissemination and exploitation").

WP1: Coordination & Project Management

WP1 is responsible for the overall administrative coordination of the project to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of all research activities. This includes the establishment of communication infrastructures as well as the financial administration and the organisation of project meetings. Another important task is the elaboration of project reports in accordance with the guidelines for reporting issued by the EC as well as the overall financial controlling of the project and related issues.

WP2: Definition Phase

Activities in this work package shall provide useful information for guidance of materials design in WP3-WP6 and define representative case studies for materials performances evaluation in WP7. This involves identification and definition of significant applications as well as requirement specifications for the storage systems (capacity, charge/discharge power, HTF mass flow rates, working temperatures, etc.)

WP3: MASA Development

The main objective of this WP is to develop stable Molecular Alloys based on Sugar Alcohols (MASA) with as targeted properties: melting point at medium temperatures (~70-150 °C, with emphasis on MASA melting at temperatures < 100 °C), high energy density (> 200 kWh/m3), significant and stable undercooling, and high crystallization kinetics. This involves selection of sugar alcohols to be studied, MASA formulation and MASA testing and characterization.

WP4: MASA Thermal Conductivity Improvement

This work package aims at developing low-cost, efficient methods for increasing MASA thermal conductivity. Using graphitic foils as fins as well as carbon foams saturated with MASA are being considered. Main objectives of the WP are:

to develop tailor-made carbon structures fulfilling requirements for seasonal storage applications;
to functionalize carbon surfaces to make them super hydrophobic to MASA; and
to elaborate Carbon/MASA materials and to test/characterize them.

WP5: MASA Encapsulation

The objective of WP5 is to develop efficient MASA encapsulation for heat transfer enhancement by increasing the specific surface area of exchange between the PCM and the HTF. Both MASA macro-encapsulation and MASA micro-encapsulation are being investigated. Main activities in this WP involve suitable formulation of the shells and selection/development of appropriate microencapsulation technology. In this context MASA micro-encapsulation with organic, hybrid and inorganic shells will be investigated.

WP6: Meta-stability, Nucleation, Crystallization

WP6 addresses fundamental issues for energy storage using MASA and MASA-based materials with efficient discharge. Objectives are:

to get deep enough understanding on MASA meta-stable physical states, on spontaneous and induced nucleation phenomena within MASA and MASA-based materials, and on crystallization process
to identify key design parameters related with and to provide guidance for materials development in WP4-WP5; and
to evaluate developments and proposals from WP3, WP4 and WP5 and to provide guidance for improvements.

WP7: Performance Assessment & Strategy Form Up-scaling

Main objectives of WP 7 are:

to evaluate the technical performances of the developed materials (MASA, Carbon/MASA, Encapsulated MASA) for targeted applications;
to provide cost evaluation and environmental issues analysis taking into account raw materials and manufacturing processes, including life-cycle assessment;
to identify further R&D required for improving most attractive materials; and
to define steps and strategy for future industrialization.

WP8: Dissemination & Exploitation

The overall aim of this work package is to coordinate the exploitation of research results and to communicate the project's progress and achievements to relevant scientific communities and the broader public. The latter also implies the establishment of links to other existing projects and networks in the field and to foster continuous exchange of information with the international scientific community.