Tree-Shaped Heat Invasion, for Energy Storage (IMAGE)

American Institute of Physics

Tree-Shaped Heat Invasion, for Energy Storage

Caption

Materials melt faster when the lines of heat spread through the cold material like the branches of a tree -- and the melting rate can be increased by allowing the tree architecture to evolve over time, researchers have discovered. The finding could help improve phase change energy storage systems, and could play an role in ensuring a smooth flow of energy from renewable sources.

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Adrian Bejan/Duke University

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