Thermal energy storage (TES) is a critical technology that enables the temporary storage of thermal energy for later use, supporting a smoother integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid. The main applications of thermal energy storage include:
Overview of TES Applications
- Solar Systems: TES is crucial in solar thermal power plants, where excess energy from the sun is stored using molten salt or other materials and used to generate electricity during non-daylight hours.
- Building Heating and Cooling: TES helps balance daytime and nighttime energy demand by storing heat or cold for later use. This includes systems like district heating and air conditioning using ice-based technologies.
- Industrial Processes: Waste heat from processes can be stored and reused, improving efficiency and reducing energy costs. This includes applications in cement and food manufacturing.
- Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage: This involves storing summer heat for winter heating or winter cold for summer cooling, significantly enhancing energy efficiency over long periods.
Specific Uses of TES
- Solar Water Heaters: TES can enhance the efficiency of solar water heaters by storing excess heat for later use.
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Ice-based TES systems use low-cost nighttime electricity to produce ice, reducing daytime cooling demands.
- District Heating: TES is used for both buffer and seasonal storage in district heating systems to manage energy supply effectively.
- Vehicle Applications: There is ongoing development in using TES for waste heat recovery and thermal management in vehicles.
Technology Types
TES technologies can be categorized into sensible heat storage, latent heat storage (using phase-change materials), and thermochemical storage, each with unique applications depending on the requirements of the system.
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