Reduced Energy Consumption Led by High Adoption of Thermal Energy Storage

Energy storage systems are storage systems for energy that exceeds the production demand and provide it to the user when it is needed. These systems provide support in matching the energy supply and demand, exploiting the variable renewable energy sources. They enhance the energy system efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The thermal storage system is also known as the heat storage system, it utilizes technology to stock the thermal energy by cooling or heating the storage medium. So, that the stored energy can be utilized later for power generation, or heating or cooling applications.

Thermal energy storage systems are primarily used in buildings and industrial processes. These storage systems provide support in meeting energy demand for efficient, and eco-friendly energy usage. Heat storage helps in reducing energy consumption, which has two major environmental benefits;

• It leads to increased conservation of fossil fuel with increased efficiency or fuel substitution.

• It also helps in reducing the emissions of pollutants such as SO2, CO2, NOx, and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

The heat storage systems enhance the air quality at the building sides with reduced emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons through chillers, and combustion of gases from fuel-through heating or cooling equipment that cause ozone depletion.

The thermal storage systems help in reducing the CFC emissions in two ways; the cooling systems with heat storage need less chiller capacity compared to the conventional systems. Secondly, these heat storage systems can reduce the cooling capacity which is usually higher during the conversion of chillers to benign refrigerants, facilitating ease for building operators to switch refrigerants.

Cool thermal energy storage is widely used in industrial refrigeration applications, such as food preservation, process cooling, and building air-conditioning systems. The CTES is considered one of the most effective methods to correct the mismatch that is caused between the demand and supply of energy.

Cool energy storage needs a better insulation tank, as the energy in a cool state is extremely expensive, compared to the availability of the heat in the hot storage tank.

Thermal energy storage can also utilize the sorption phenomenon. In such cases, a heat source allows the disassociation of the working pair enabling the separate storage of the substances. As they come in contact, the exothermic process takes place with the release of heat.

Therefore, the energy can be energy stored with no virtual loss. As the heat is not stored in a latent or sensible form, instead it is kept as potential energy with the separation of the long substances. Such applications include water vapor adsorption to zeolites or silica-gel.

The hot and humid climates or confined spaces with a high level of humidity serve as open sorption systems depending on the lithium chloride, cool water, zeolites, and other components to control the humidity.

Thermal energy storage refers to a technology that stocks thermal energy, by heating or cooling a storage medium, which can be used for power generation or heating and cooling applications. This system helps in balancing energy demand and supply on a seasonal, weekly, or daily basis. Such storage systems can also reduce energy consumption, costs and emissions, peak demand while increasing overall system efficiency. The conversion and storage of wind and solar energy aids in increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix.

Moreover, the burgeoning demand for electricity, primarily on account of rapid urbanization, is resulting in the installation of various types of power production systems, including concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Additionally, the soaring power consumption for district heating and cooling (DHC) purposes will also result in the large-scale installation of thermal energy storage systems in the coming years. Due to the limited availability of independent heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial buildings, these units rely on utilities to meet the power demands.

In recent years, underground thermal energy storage (UTES) technology has gained traction, especially in North America and Europe, due to the strong presence of salt caverns and aquifers in these regions. This new technology is largely used for underground power generation and energy storage purposes. Thus, the development of this technology will create ample opportunities for companies such as Abengoa Solar S.A., Caldwell Energy Company, Dunham-Bush Holding Bhd., Baltimore Aircoil Company, CRISTOPIA Energy Systems, BrightSource Energy Inc., DC PRO Engineering, CALMAC, Cryogel, and SolarReserve LLC.

According to P&S Intelligence, North America dominated the thermal energy storage market in the recent past, due to the extensive installation of CSP plants in the U.S. Additionally, the burgeoning demand for power backup for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the countries of North America will also lead to the large-scale installation of such systems. Apart from the CSP storage technology, the region also uses pumped heat electrical storage (PHES), ice thermal energy storage, and chilled water thermal energy storage systems.

Whereas, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to install thermal energy storage systems at the highest rate in the coming years. This can be attributed to the mounting energy demand, primarily on account of the surging population in the region. Moreover, the increasing adoption of this storage technology can also be credited to the rapid depletion of oil and natural gas reserves in the region. As energy storage is the most overlooked aspect of renewable energy generation, governments of countries such as India and China are emphasizing on solutions and technologies that help in storing the power generated from non-conventional energy sources.

Thus, the booming electricity demand and rising preference for green buildings will augment the need for thermal energy storage systems in the coming years.

TES Adsorption is a promising technology that facilitates an excellent solution for long-term thermal energy storage compactly and efficiently.

Therefore, massive industrial application of thermal energy storage leads to their increased demand.