The efficiency of thermal energy storage systems
Various significantly depending on the storage medium used. Here’s a brief overview of different storage media and their respective efficiencies:
Sensible Heat Storage
- Storage Media: Water, rocks, concrete, and other solid materials.
- Efficiency Range: 50% to 90%.
- Description: Sensible heat storage relies on increasing the temperature of a medium. It is relatively inexpensive but has lower energy density.
Latent Heat Storage (Phase Change Materials)
- Storage Media: Materials like salts, paraffin waxes, and eutectic mixtures that undergo a phase change.
- Efficiency Range: 75% to 90%.
- Description: This method takes advantage of the latent heat of phase transitions, offering higher storage capacity and more consistent discharge temperatures.
Thermochemical Storage
- Storage Media: Chemical reactions, e.g., salt hydrates.
- Efficiency Range: 75% to nearly 100%.
- Description: This method involves reversible chemical reactions to store energy and can offer very high storage densities and efficiencies.
Specific Technologies
- KTH’s Packed-Bed Systems: These systems, using pebbles or copper slags, achieve efficiencies over 90% by reducing pressure drops, enhancing thermal efficiency.
- ThermalBattery™ by ENERGYNEST: Uses high-performance concrete and can store energy with an efficiency over 98%, providing a reliable and environmentally friendly option.
Each of these technologies has its advantages and applications, depending on the scale, cost, and specific needs of the system.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-efficiency-of-thermal-energy-storage-systems-vary-with-different-storage-media/
