Energy storage for buildings

What are the benefits of thermal energy storage?

Thermal energy storage offers several benefits, including increased energy savings, higher performing and more affordable heat pumps, flexibility for shedding and shifting building loads, and improved thermal comfort of occupants. Advances in this technology can lead to even greater advantages.

Why do buildings need a storage system for heating & cooling?

Throughout the United States, more than 100 million buildings tap into electrical energy to keep heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units functioning. HVAC systems cause most of the peak load demand on the electric grid; one way to alleviate the grid burden is to develop new storage options for heating and cooling.

How much energy does a building use?

In the United States, buildings consume approximately 39% of all primary energy and 74% of all electricity. Thermal end uses, such as space conditioning, water heating, and refrigeration, represent approximately 50% of building energy demand and are projected to increase in the years ahead.

Is space heating and cooling a viable energy storage solution?

Space heating and cooling account for up to 40% of the energy used in commercial buildings.1 Aligning this energy consumption with renewable energy generation through practical and viable energy storage solutions will be critical to achieving 100% clean energy by 2050.

What is the Thermal Energy Storage R&D program?

BTO's Thermal Energy Storage R&D program develops cost-effective technologies to support both energy efficiency and demand flexibility.

How can thermal energy improve building performance?

“For example, thermal energy can improve heat pump performance and facilitate their market adoption, and with the utilization of low-embodied-carbon materials, a building’s carbon impacts can be reduced too,” Mumme said.