A research team at the State University “Dubna” has introduced a cost‑effective, innovative method for underfloor heating. The core idea centers on crystal hydrates, also known as wet salt, as the primary material for storing thermal energy. This approach stands apart from conventional options in the market, a distinction described to socialbites.ca by university representatives during a briefing on campus.
Officials explain that the technology relies on materials capable of undergoing phase transitions to hold heat. Wet salt acts as a crystalline hydrate with a notably high heat capacity. It absorbs heat during the melting phase and gradually releases warmth as it solidifies, producing a steady thermal output for indoor spaces. The briefing materials were shared with socialbites.ca on campus to illustrate the mechanism and its potential benefits.
The underfloor system uses a porous carbon base fashioned from carbon felt. Carbon was chosen for its outstanding thermal conductivity, which complements an infrared heating element to encapsulate the crystalline hydrates. This pairing yields a modular panel system designed for flexible underfloor heating installations, as explained by the lead researcher.
Historically, paraffin has served as the storage medium in similar heating setups. However, paraffin tends to be more costly and delivers less heat compared with crystalline hydrates. The wet salt crystals employed by the Dubna team are byproducts from metal mining, presenting an environmentally friendly and budget-conscious alternative. Russia is rich in these materials, which helps drive down production costs and broadens potential uptake in nearby markets. This shift toward affordable, sustainable energy storage aligns with rising demand for efficient home heating solutions across North America and Europe.
The project’s economic edge is evident: lower material costs paired with efficient heat storage. The team envisions connecting the system to a SmartHouse platform to enable remote climate management and refine module specifications. Planned updates will address system thickness, electrical design, and adaptable architectural layouts suitable for different rooms and living spaces in Canadian and American homes. The researchers stress that the modular design can scale to a broad range of applications while maintaining reliability and performance. These developments position crystalline-hydrate based heating as a compelling option in the energy‑efficient home retrofit market, especially in new builds and renovations where rapid heat response and long‑term stability are highly valued.
In related news from Russia, researchers report progress toward ultra-bright white LEDs using a technique that speeds up production. This broader line of exploration demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing materials science in practical, real‑world applications—from lighting to heating—highlighting how innovative chemistry translates into everyday comfort and energy savings. Market observers in North America and Europe are watching closely as such technologies mature and begin to influence consumer heating solutions and energy policies.