Thermal Energy Storage: How It Works And Why It Matters

Thermal energy storage is an advanced technology that stores heat for later use, playing an important role in optimizing energy efficiency. Thermal storage systems help ensure a stable supply when demand increases. In this article, let’s learn more about the concept, classification, and benefits of using thermal energy storage with Alternō!

1. What is thermal energy storage and why do we need it?

Thermal energy storage (TES) is a system that allows heat to be stored and used when needed, helping to manage energy demand more efficiently. Thermal storage systems collect excess thermal energy during periods of low demand, usually from renewable sources such as solar or wind, and balance energy consumption between day and night. TES storage solutions include storage of ice, water, soil, or bedrock through boreholes and deep underground water sources.

So why do we need thermal storage? We need thermal storage to address the challenges of providing reliable energy and cutting emissions through energy efficiency, and renewable-based electrification. As renewable energy sources such as solar and wind become more popular, their intermittent nature has also become more apparent.

So when demand is low or renewable energy production is high, TES helps store energy and then releases it when demand spikes or renewable energy production drops. This creates a more stable energy grid, reducing the need for fossil fuel-based electricity generation, and helping to reduce carbon emissions.

2. What types of thermal energy storage systems

There are several types of thermal energy storage (TES) systems, each suited to different applications and energy storage needs. The main types include:

• Sensitive heat storage: This is the most common form of thermal heat storage, in which thermal energy is stored by increasing the temperature of a material without changing its physical state, solid or liquid. Common materials used in induction thermal storage include water, sandstone, concrete, thermal oil, or molten salt. This method of energy storage is simple, effective, and the most cost-effective.

• Thermochemical: Thermochemical storage is an advanced storage method through reversible gas-solid chemical reactions. Energy is absorbed or released heat when a chemical reaction occurs, instead of increasing the temperature. Thermochemical storage includes two types: absorption process and thermochemical reaction. This method has the advantage of storing energy with high density and long-term storage capacity.

• Latent heat storage: Latent heat storage uses phase change materials to absorb or release heat as they change from one state to another, such as from solid to liquid or vice versa. This method is effective because the material can store large amounts of heat without a significant change in temperature. Common phase change materials for latent heat storage include hydrates, ice, fatty acids, sugar alcohols, kerosene, inorganic salts, and metals. Latent heat storage materials can store solar energy for long periods of time.

3. Advantages of thermal energy storage

Thermal heat storage is essential for later energy conversion and it offers many significant advantages such as:

• Rapid deployment: One of the main advantages of thermal storage is its rapid deployment. Energy security is an important goal for the industry. Therefore, thermal energy storage systems are a solution for rapid deployment to achieve energy security because they are easier to install and operate in the production process compared to other energy storage systems. For example, switching from a gas-fired boiler to an electric boiler does not require major structural changes.

• Reduce the cost: Thermal energy storage effectively reduces energy costs. By electrifying production processes and storing electricity at low demand or when renewable energy production is high, TES allows energy to be used at peak times when electricity prices are typically higher. This reduces costs for consumers and businesses, as they can avoid high peak prices and take advantage of the available stored energy.

• A higher proportion of renewable energy: By using thermal energy storage, the fluctuating availability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar is decoupled from the time of use. In this way, the share of renewable energy in the energy mix of utilities can increase, ensuring energy security. As renewable energy continues to make up a larger portion of the grid, thermal energy storage becomes essential to stabilize energy supply, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and increase grid reliability.

• Reduce carbon emissions: Reducing carbon emissions is a key goal in the fight against climate change and thermal energy storage plays a key role in achieving this goal. Storing thermal energy is cost-effective and reduces the need for fossil fuel-based electricity generation during peak demand periods. This contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Thermal energy storage is a solution to balance supply and demand, ensuring a sustainable energy supply. Through this article by Alternō, we hope to help readers better understand the concept and benefits of energy storage!