Thermal energy storage (TES) directly reduces air pollution by lowering reliance on fossil fuel-based energy generation, particularly during peak demand periods. Here’s how:
- Shifts energy use to off-peak hours
TES systems store energy when baseload power plants (which are more efficient and less polluting) operate. By avoiding peak power plants (“peakers” that emit higher particulate matter and greenhouse gases), TES reduces PM2.5 and CO₂ emissions. - Facilitates renewable energy integration
TES allows excess renewable energy (e.g., wind/solar) to be stored for later use, reducing dependence on fossil fuel backup systems. For parabolic trough CSP plants, TES can lower life cycle GHG emissions by 7% compared to no storage and 210% compared to natural gas backup. - Reduces direct combustion pollution
In heating applications, TES heaters displace wood-burning stoves, a major PM2.5 source. A Fairbanks study aims to quantify this by replacing 50 wood stoves with TES heaters to reduce particulate pollution. - Decarbonizes industrial heat
New TES technologies like electrified firebricks enable high-temperature industrial processes (up to 1,800°C) using renewable electricity, potentially eliminating fossil fuel combustion in cement, steel, and glass production.
Comparison of Impacts
| Application | Pollution Reduction Mechanism | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Grid-level TES | Reduces peaker plant usage | 5-14% lower transmission losses |
| Industrial TES | Replaces fossil heating with stored renewables | Up to 30% of U.S. GHG emissions targeted |
| Residential heating | Displaces wood-burning stoves | PM2.5 reduction in Fairbanks |
Thermal storage’s scalability makes it critical for mitigating both greenhouse gases and health-damaging particulates across energy sectors.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-thermal-energy-storage-affect-air-pollution-levels/
