Utilization of Basalt Stone as a Sensible Heat Storage Material

Abstract

Thermal energy storage plays an important role in the conservation of thermal energy in many processes, such as waste heat recovery and load leveling at power plants, including those utilizing alternative energy sources. The objective of this study is to investigate many aspects of basalt stone as a material of heat storage. Belonging to gabbro volcanic group, magmatic basalt rock is a thin grained, dark colored (black), hard and durable material. Within the scope of the theory of sensible heat storage, heat and material properties of the basalt stone were studied, while comparisons were made with other materials of heat storage.