Alessia Romani

Design & Engineering Research

Parametric R&D Thermal Battery Module


Customizable R&D Equipment (Thermal Energy)





Overview

This open-source parametric CAD definition enables customizable 3D-printable thermal battery modules for accessible and cost-effective testing in the R&D and laboratory settings and evaluation of thermal energy for sustainable applications. Its geometry, designed for fabrication with low-cost FFF 3D printers, can be adapted to different heat-exchange configurations and component requirements by changing the 3D model parameters, supporting quick prototyping, iterative development and experimentation. By enabling an affordable, modular, and customizable testing setup, this module design facilitates the investigation of PCM-based thermal storage systems within R&D, laboratory scale, and experimental contexts. 1

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Licenses:



Materials and Tools

  • ⚙️ CAD / Parametric modeling: Fusion 360 (parametric CAD modeling) 2
  • 🔩 Slicing and fabrication: PrusaSlicer 3 , Small-format Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printer.
  • 🔩 Fabrication (transparent walls): Laser-cut acrylic parts, files available in the repository.
  • 📎 Materials: PETG filaments tested for rigid parts and recommended. TPE tested for flexible gaskets.
  • 🔩 Additional off-the-shelf: to be added to the product for the intended use (Please refer to the documentation in the repository).


Repository website



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OSHWA Certified Open Hardware


The Customizable Thermal Energy Storage Module is an Open Source Hardware Educational Tool certified by OSHWA (Open Source Hardware Association), released under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 (hardware and documentation) and GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0. (software).

  • Certified Open Hardware - OSHWA UID CA000071 (Certification, license, and links) 1



Publications


Design and Validation of Cost-effective Customizable 3-D Printed Phase-Change Material-based Thermal Energy Storage Modules


Alessia Romani*, Abolfazl Taherzadeh Fini, Megan Cockburn, Anthony Straatman, Joshua M. Pearce

SSRN, 2026 Jan