Scientists at the State University “Dubna” have unveiled a groundbreaking, cost-efficient approach to underfloor heating that hinges on crystal hydrates, also known as wet salt. This is a space unlike any existing technology, according to researchers who spoke with socialbites.ca.
According to senior lecturer Artem Morzhukhin of the Department of Chemistry, New Technologies and Chemistry at Dubna University, the method relies on materials that store heat and release it during a phase change. One such material is crystalline hydrates, essentially wet salt, which boast a high heat capacity. They absorb heat as they melt and then gradually transfer that heat to the surroundings as they solidify, providing prolonged warmth when active in the system.
The heating panels use a porous base made from carbon felt, selected for its excellent heat transfer properties. This combination forms a compact and efficient underfloor heating unit capable of distributing warmth evenly across an area.
Morzhukhin noted that the crystal hydrates are integrated with an infrared heating element to create modular panels suitable for underfloor installation. This configuration aims to deliver rapid temperature responses along with sustained heat output, improving overall efficiency compared with traditional setups.
Traditional systems often rely on paraffin as a phase-change material. While paraffin can store heat, its cost remains high and it tends to provide less heat output. By contrast, crystalline hydrates are waste products from metal mining, making them an inexpensive and environmentally friendly option. They are abundant in Russia, which contributes to their potential for widespread adoption in local heating solutions.
The lower cost of the crystal hydrate-based system may enable broader accessibility for residential and commercial projects. Researchers expect to integrate the technology with a SmartHouse platform, enabling remote climate control and enhanced system programmability. Future improvements may include adjusting panel thickness, refining the electrical design, and exploring architectural configurations to better suit different rooms and layouts.
The development at Dubna aligns with ongoing efforts to accelerate energy-efficient and affordable heating solutions. The researchers emphasize that the use of readily available, eco-friendly materials can reduce overall costs without sacrificing performance. In addition to technical enhancements, the team is exploring strategies to streamline manufacturing and installation, helping to shorten the path from lab discovery to real-world use.
In related progress, Russia has recently seen a push to accelerate production of high-brightness white LEDs, underscoring a broader trend of leveraging advanced materials for energy efficiency and smarter home technologies. The Dubna project stands as a complementary effort, aiming to blend heat storage innovations with intelligent control systems to create more comfortable living and working environments.