9.4 Applications of thermal energy storage

Thermal energy storage plays a crucial role in various applications, from power generation to building climate control. It allows us to capture and store heat or cold for later use, improving efficiency and reliability in industries, buildings, and even electronics.

In this section, we'll explore how thermal storage is used in power plants, industrial processes, heating and cooling systems, and electronic devices. We'll see how it helps manage energy demand, reduce costs, and tackle temperature control challenges across different sectors.

Power Generation and Industrial Applications

Solar Thermal Power Generation

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• Solar thermal power plants harness solar energy to generate electricity
  • Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems focus sunlight using mirrors or lenses to heat a fluid, which drives a turbine connected to a generator
  • Thermal energy storage allows solar thermal power plants to generate electricity even when the sun is not shining, increasing their reliability and dispatchability
• Industrial process heat can be provided by solar thermal systems
  • Many industrial processes require heat at various temperature ranges, which can be supplied by solar thermal collectors
  • Industries such as food processing, textile manufacturing, and chemical production can benefit from solar process heat, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels
• Waste heat recovery systems capture and store thermal energy that would otherwise be lost
  • Industrial processes often release significant amounts of waste heat, which can be recovered and used for other purposes
  • Thermal energy storage technologies, such as sensible heat storage or latent heat storage, can store this waste heat for later use, improving overall energy efficiency

Industrial Thermal Energy Storage

• Thermal energy storage can help industries manage their energy demand and supply
  • Industries with variable heat demand can store thermal energy during periods of low demand and use it during peak periods, reducing the need for additional heat generation capacity
  • Thermal energy storage can also help industries take advantage of off-peak electricity rates by storing heat during low-cost periods and using it during high-cost periods
• High-temperature thermal energy storage is crucial for certain industrial applications
  • Industries such as metal processing, glass manufacturing, and cement production require high-temperature heat, which can be stored using materials like molten salts or ceramics
  • High-temperature thermal energy storage allows these industries to maintain consistent process temperatures and improve overall efficiency

Heating and Cooling Systems

Building Heating and Cooling Applications

• Thermal energy storage can be used for space heating and cooling in buildings
  • Sensible heat storage materials, such as water or concrete, can store thermal energy for later use in space heating or domestic hot water systems
  • Latent heat storage materials, such as phase change materials (PCMs), can be incorporated into building elements (walls, ceilings, floors) to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling loads
• Thermal energy storage can help buildings shift their energy demand and reduce peak loads
  • By storing thermal energy during off-peak hours and using it during peak hours, buildings can reduce their reliance on the grid and lower their energy costs
  • This load shifting capability can also help utilities manage the overall energy demand on the grid, promoting a more stable and efficient energy system

District Heating and Cooling Systems

• District heating and cooling systems distribute thermal energy from a central source to multiple buildings
  • A central plant generates heat or chilled water, which is then distributed through a network of insulated pipes to serve the heating or cooling needs of connected buildings
  • Thermal energy storage can be integrated into district heating and cooling systems to store excess heat or cold for later use, improving the system's efficiency and flexibility
• Seasonal thermal energy storage allows district heating and cooling systems to store energy across seasons
  • Large-scale thermal energy storage technologies, such as aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) or borehole thermal energy storage (BTES), can store heat or cold for several months
  • This seasonal storage capability enables district heating and cooling systems to use waste heat from summer for winter heating or to store winter cold for summer cooling, significantly reducing overall energy consumption

Electronics Thermal Management

Thermal Management Challenges in Electronics

• Electronic devices generate heat during operation, which can impact their performance and reliability
  • As electronic components become more compact and powerful, managing the heat they generate becomes increasingly challenging
  • Overheating can lead to reduced efficiency, shorter lifespan, and even failure of electronic devices
• Thermal energy storage can help regulate temperatures in electronic systems
  • Phase change materials (PCMs) can be integrated into electronic packaging or heat sinks to absorb excess heat during periods of high heat generation and release it during cooler periods
  • This temperature regulation helps maintain the electronic components within their optimal operating temperature range, improving performance and reliability

Advanced Thermal Management Techniques

• Thermal interface materials (TIMs) enhance heat transfer between electronic components and heat dissipation devices
  • TIMs, such as thermal greases, pads, or adhesives, fill the air gaps between the heat-generating component and the heat sink, improving thermal conductivity
  • Advanced TIMs, such as those incorporating carbon nanotubes or graphene, can further enhance heat transfer efficiency
• Active cooling systems, such as heat pipes or vapor chambers, can be used in conjunction with thermal energy storage
  • Heat pipes and vapor chambers use phase change principles to efficiently transfer heat from the electronic component to a heat sink or other cooling device
  • Integrating thermal energy storage materials into these active cooling systems can help manage peak heat loads and maintain stable operating temperatures