In some countries, the electricity cost is higher during peak hours. Storage hea

Question

In some countries, the electricity cost is higher during peak hours. Storage heaters are popular in these countries during winter. Fig.3 shows the storage heater and fig.4 shows its heating part. The heating part consists of heating elements surrounded by athermal block with fixed volume. The heaters are heated overnight and the heat is released during daytime.
1. What is the purpose of the thermal block? Suggest a kind of material to make the block. 2. Given two materials, X and Y. X has a higher specific heat capacity and density than Y.Which material is better used tomake the thermal block. Explain in terms of its density and specific heat capacity.

Explanation / Answer

1. Thermal block is used to store heat during the period when electricity is cheap and release it over time. Therefore, thermal block must have big heat capacity and low heat conductivity. You could use polystyrene - it has great heat capacity and low heat conductivity but it must be combined with other materials to prevent fire 2. X is better since it will keep more heat in it (because of bigger heat capacity) and will have lower heat conductivity (because of greater density - not sure about this)

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