New IIR Informatory Note on thermal energy storage systems

The IIR has just published a new Informatory Note on thermal energy storage systems (TES) prepared by Renato Lazzarin, President of IIR Section E on Air conditioning, heat pumps and energy recovery.

 

This note stresses that energy demand is seldom steady, and that its variation often requires oversizing of energy conversion systems to satisfy peak demand. On the other hand, the energy supply may not be steady, which is typically the case for renewable energies, such as solar or wind energy. Energy storage can mitigate or even solve the above problems. TES systems, including cold thermal storage systems, can be widely implemented in building services, such as ambient and domestic water heating, air conditioning, and many solar energy applications. 

 

Thermal storage can be sensible, i.e. based on a temperature difference, or latent, i.e. based on the phase change of a substance; if sensible, it can be done with a liquid or a solid. It can be sized to meet demand over different time periods (hours, days, weeks, etc.).  

A well-designed TES system can reduce energy consumption through more efficient equipment operation and lower capital costs, reducing the equipment capacity. Storage must be properly designed and managed, for example by carefully considering stratification issues in liquid systems and heat transfer for latent storage.   

The note also provides a series of recommendations for developing these systems.  

 

This Informatory Note can be downloaded from FRIDOC by following this link (free for IIR members).

 

A Summary for policymakers outlining the main conclusions and recommendations of this Informatory Note is also available in open access.