In a breakthrough that could revolutionize energy storage and management, researchers have developed a novel thermal battery system that can be controlled using ultralow magnetic fields. This innovation, published in the journal *Small Science* (translated from Chinese as “Small Science”), promises to enhance the efficiency and practicality of thermal energy storage, a critical component in advanced energy systems.
The research, led by Lingli Li from the Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduces a magneto-responsive phase-change composite. This composite integrates a supercooled plastic crystal, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMP), with dispersed NdFeB particles. The result is a system that can be triggered noncontact under magnetic fields as low as approximately 0.04 Tesla.
“Our design enables noncontact triggering of supercooled phase transitions under ultralow magnetic fields, which is a significant advancement in the field of thermal energy storage,” said Li. This noncontact actuation method simplifies deployment and enhances heat-transfer efficiency, addressing major challenges in the industry.
The optimized 20% AMP/NdFeB composite demonstrates impressive performance metrics, including a colossal entropy change of 507.6 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, an enthalpy change of 181.1 J g⁻¹, and a rapid temperature rise of 47.6 K. These figures substantially outperform leading magnetocaloric systems under far milder field conditions.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Traditional thermal storage systems often rely on complex and contact-based methods for heat release, which can be inefficient and cumbersome. The new system’s ability to be controlled via ultralow magnetic fields offers a simpler, more efficient alternative. This could lead to more effective energy management in various applications, from industrial processes to renewable energy integration.
“This work establishes a transformative and generalizable route to noncontact, high-efficiency, and controllable thermal batteries,” Li explained. The research not only advances the science of thermal energy storage but also paves the way for practical deployment in advanced energy systems.
As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, the need for efficient and reliable energy storage solutions becomes ever more critical. This breakthrough could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy management, offering a more sustainable and efficient way to store and release thermal energy.
The research published in *Small Science* marks a significant step forward in the field of thermal energy storage, with potential applications ranging from industrial processes to renewable energy integration. As the technology continues to develop, it could become a cornerstone of advanced energy systems, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy future.