Thermal energy storage (TES) has several promising applications in the building sector, mainly focused on heating, cooling, and hot water supply, which together represent about half of building energy demand. TES enables decarbonization, energy savings, and grid flexibility by storing thermal energy for use when needed, particularly helping integrate renewable energy sources. Below are the key potential applications and benefits of TES in buildings:
1. Space Heating and Cooling
TES can be used to shift heating and cooling loads in time, addressing the mismatch between energy supply (such as solar or wind power) and demand. This allows buildings to:
- Reduce peak electricity demand by storing thermal energy during off-peak hours for later use, lowering utility costs and strain on the grid.
- Improve the efficiency of HVAC systems by avoiding partial load operation and frequent cycling.
- Utilize low-temperature renewable heat sources like geothermal or ambient heat more effectively through thermo-active building systems (TABS).
- Example technologies include ice storage for cooling and phase change materials (PCMs) integrated into building envelopes for both heating and cooling.
2. Domestic Hot Water Heating
TES tanks can store hot water heated during periods of low electricity cost or high renewable generation for use later, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and peak power consumption.
3. Integration with Renewable Energy
TES can store excess heat generated from renewable electricity (e.g., solar thermal, wind-powered resistive heating) or recovered waste heat, making buildings more flexible energy consumers. This supports:
- Greater penetration of intermittent renewables by decoupling generation and use of thermal energy.
- Seasonal storage of solar heat with underground thermal energy storage systems for winter heating demand.
4. Peak Load Shifting and Demand Response
By storing thermal energy when energy is cheaper or more abundant, TES helps buildings participate in demand response programs and reduce peak loads on the electrical grid, contributing to grid stability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Passive Thermal Energy Storage
Use of materials with high thermal mass (e.g., concrete, PCM-enhanced walls) can improve indoor thermal comfort, reduce temperature fluctuations and lower HVAC energy use passively, thus improving building energy performance without active mechanical systems.
6. Large-Scale and District Heating/Cooling
TES can be deployed at building complexes or district energy systems to store solar heat or excess thermal energy for multiple buildings, enhancing energy efficiency at community scales.
Summary Table of TES Applications in Buildings
| Application Area | Description | Benefits | Typical Technologies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Heating & Cooling | Shifting heating/cooling energy supply to meet variable demand | Peak load reduction, energy cost savings, integration with renewables | Ice storage, PCMs, thermo-active building systems (TABS), chilled water tanks |
| Domestic Hot Water Heating | Storing hot water heated during off-peak times | Improved efficiency, lower peak electrical use | Hot water storage tanks |
| Renewable Energy Integration | Storing heat from solar, wind, or waste heat | Grid flexibility, higher renewables usage | Underground thermal storage, molten salt, PCMs |
| Demand Response & Peak Shifting | Using stored thermal energy to shift loads away from peak electricity periods | Grid stability, lower emissions | Modular heat batteries, ice storage |
| Passive Thermal Storage | Increasing building thermal mass to smooth indoor temperatures without active systems | Lower HVAC demand, better comfort | PCMs in walls, concrete, ceramics |
| Large-Scale/District Systems | Community or district-level storage of thermal energy for multiple buildings | Scale economies, efficient district heating/cooling | Large water tanks, underground storage systems |
Conclusion
Thermal energy storage in buildings offers versatile solutions for decarbonizing heating and cooling, reducing peak energy loads, enhancing renewable energy utilization, and improving occupant comfort. TES can be implemented via passive techniques such as thermal mass or advanced materials, or active systems like ice storage and modular heat batteries. Its integration with heat pumps, renewable generation, and smart grid technologies points to a key role in future low-carbon, flexible, and efficient building energy systems.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-potential-applications-of-thermal-energy-storage-in-the-building-sector/
