Microwave Desorption for Flexible Sorption-Heat Storage Application

Microwave desorption is a highly efficient method for thermochemical heat storage, surpassing conventional drying. Zeolite desorption experiments showed material-dependent efficiencies: 4ABF reached 70%, 13XBF 30%, and 4AK 15%, compared to a 30% maximum for conventional methods. Sample weight influenced performance, with 13XBF maintaining efficiency across 262g to 869g, though larger masses required longer drying times. The porous structure of 4ABF enhanced vapor transport, achieving superior results. Challenges included non-uniform heating and thermal runaway in samples over 700g, with hotspots exceeding 500°C. Microwave desorption’s flexibility in power adjustment (100%, 75%, 50%) makes it a promising approach for sorption heat storage, requiring further optimization to mitigate risks and enhance scalability.