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New tech may help ice batteries cut cooling energy use in big cities

New tech may help ice batteries cut cooling energy use in big cities
Source: interestingengineering
Author: @IntEngineering
Published: 8/28/2025

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Researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Dr. Patrick Shamberger, are advancing "ice battery" technology to improve energy efficiency in heating and cooling large buildings. Ice batteries store thermal energy by freezing water or similar materials at night when electricity demand and costs are low, then release the stored cold during the day to cool buildings. This approach reduces daytime electricity demand, easing stress on the power grid and lowering consumer costs. However, current systems require significant nighttime power and their efficiency heavily depends on the materials used, which must be stable, reversible, and durable over decades. The research focuses on optimizing materials such as salt hydrates—salts containing water molecules in their crystal structures—that can absorb and release thermal energy effectively. By tailoring these materials to operate at temperatures compatible with advanced HVAC and heat pump systems, the ice batteries can better integrate with building energy needs and support flexible energy use. A key challenge is preventing phase segregation, where materials separate into different phases during cycling, which degrades performance.

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energyice-batterythermal-energy-storagematerials-scienceHVAC-systemssalt-hydratesenergy-efficiency