Lead Performer: Tetramer Technologies, LLC – Pendleton, SC
DOE Total Funding: $199,958
Project Term: June 29, 2020 – March 8, 2021
Funding Type: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Project

Project Objective

Tetramer Technologies is developing an optimized and more cost-effective thermal energy solution, based on low-cost phase change materials (PCMs). PCMs absorb thermal energy as they melt, releasing the absorbed energy when ambient temperatures fall below the material’s melt point. By accumulating energy during the day and releasing energy overnight, PCMs reduce building cooling costs and improve energy efficiency.

Currently available PCMs are lacking in performance, durability, and affordability. In an effort to address these shortcomings, Tetramer, in this SBIR Phase I project, will develop novel PCMs with enhanced volumetric energy capacity and durability (via improved encapsulation), all at a lower cost. Tetramer will build structure-properties maps for the new PCMs. This will be carried out in two iterative loops using a Design-of-Experiments software, generating a data catalog of available property combinations for the new materials. Based on the results of this fundamental research, final materials will be selected and optimized for building applications, resulting in a robust and reliable encapsulation process.

Project Impact

PCMs can potentially save 10-30% in energy consumption. The new PCMs being developed are expected to address known challenges with inorganic salt hydrates, namely subcooling, phase segregation, and encapsulation challenges. Successful development of a stable material would serve as a significant advancement for PCMs in buildings applications and could lead to increased energy savings and improved thermal demand management.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Sven Mumme
Lead Performer: Bogdan Zdyrko, Tetramer Technologies, LLC