Latest Advancements in Thermal Energy Storage Technology
Thermal energy storage (TES) has seen significant developments in recent years, particularly in its role in providing decarbonized heat for industrial processes and enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. Here are some of the latest advancements:
1. Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
- Application: PCMs are crucial for latent heat storage, offering advantages in terms of energy density and efficiency.
- Challenge and Innovation: Researchers are focusing on developing PCMs with melting points close to room temperature, such as salt hydrates, to improve cost effectiveness and performance in heating and cooling applications. This includes identifying materials that can freeze and melt within a comfortable indoor temperature range (e.g., around 70°F).
2. Thermochemical Materials
- Advancements: Thermochemical materials are being explored for TES, promising higher thermal energy storage capacity compared to traditional PCMs. These materials can be charged using solar energy or excess grid electricity and discharged to supply heat.
- Impact: By leveraging abundant and cost-effective raw materials, thermochemical systems can meet thermal demands over extended periods, potentially reducing the reliance on electrochemical batteries.
3. Sensible Heat Technologies
- Materials and Applications: Sensible heat storage involves using materials like molten salt, concrete, and refractory brick to store thermal energy. This technology is particularly suited for large-scale industrial applications.
- Innovation: Ongoing research aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of these systems, focusing on cost-effective materials and optimized designs to support decarbonization efforts.
4. Integration with Renewable Energy
- Purpose: Advances in TES are crucial for integrating renewable energy systems efficiently. By storing excess energy generated from sources like solar panels, TES systems can provide a stable and reliable energy supply when renewable energy sources are insufficient.
5. Energy-Efficient Buildings
- Applications: TES solutions are being developed to enhance energy efficiency in buildings by reducing the need for continuous heating and cooling. This includes optimizing heating and cooling delivery through novel TES materials and systems.
These advancements highlight the evolving landscape of thermal energy storage, offering solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and cost-effective, and capable of supporting a wide range of applications from industrial processes to residential buildings.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-latest-advancements-in-thermal-energy-storage-technology/
