How is thermal energy storage achieved

What is thermal energy storage (TES)?

Thermal energy storage (TES) is a technology that stocks thermal energy by heating or cooling a storage medium so that the stored energy can be used at a later time for heating and cooling applications and power generation. TES systems are used particularly in buildings and in industrial processes.

Why is thermal energy storage important?

Thermal energy storage (TES) is increasingly important due to the demand-supply challenge caused by the intermittency of renewable energy and waste heat dissipation to the environment. This paper discusses the fundamentals and novel applications of TES materials and identifies appropriate TES materials for particular applications.

How does a thermal energy storage system work?

Energy Collection: Thermal energy is captured from a heat source. This heat might come from natural sources like solar heat (captured using solar thermal panels), industrial waste heat, or even off-peak electricity converted to heat via an electric heater. Energy Storage: The captured heat is transferred to a TES medium.

How is energy stored in sensible TES?

In sensible Thermal Energy Storage (TES), energy is stored by changing the temperature of the storage means. The amount of heat stored is proportional to the density, specific heat, volume, and variation of temperature of the storage material.

What processes can be reversed to release stored thermal energy?

Thermal energy storage can be obtained by cooling, heating, melting, solidifying, or vaporizing a material. The energy becomes available as heat by reversing the process.

What are thermal energy storage materials for chemical heat storage?

Chemical heat storage systems use reversible reactions which involve absorption and release of heat for thermal energy storage. These systems typically operate within a middle range temperature between 200 °C and 400 °C.