Solar energy subsystems employing isothermal heat sink materials. Final project report, September 18, 1974--March 18, 1976

A group of over 200 potential phase change heat storage materials, melting from 10 to 90/sup 0/ C was identified. Laboratory tests narrowed these to materials recommended for hot faucet water, hydronic heating, forced air heating, heat pump application, radiant wall panels, and stored cold systems. Several encapsulation methods were studied: microencapsulation, encapsulation of powders and granules, and macroencapsulation. Microencapsulation of CaCl/sub 2/ . 6H/sub 2/O in polyester resin has been successful, and small wall, floor, and ceiling panels have been prepared and tested. Macroencapsulation in plastic film containers appears promising for hot air systems. Preliminary economic analysis studies of heating systems based on heat-of-fusion storage materials have shown several promising approaches.