A thermal energy storage (TES) system typically consists of several components designed to store and release thermal energy efficiently. The components may vary depending on the specific type of thermal energy storage technology being used, but here are the common components found in many TES systems.
This is the material or substance that absorbs and stores thermal energy. It could be a solid, liquid, or phase-change material (PCM) such as molten salt, water, ice, or certain chemicals.
The storage medium is contained within a vessel or tank designed to hold it securely. The container must be well-insulated to minimize heat loss and maintain the stored energy for extended periods.
A heat exchanger is used to transfer thermal energy between the storage medium and the external heat source or load. It facilitates the charging (energy input) and discharging (energy output) processes by exchanging heat with a fluid circulating through the system.
Insulation is essential to reduce heat loss from the storage medium to the surroundings. It helps maintain the temperature of the stored energy and improves the overall efficiency of the system.
A control system regulates the operation of the TES system, including the charging and discharging cycles. It monitors parameters such as temperature, pressure, and energy demand to optimize performance and ensure safe operation.
These are used to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the system, transferring heat to or from the storage medium as needed.
In some systems, an expansion tank may be included to accommodate changes in volume or pressure of the heat transfer fluid during operation.
Depending on the application, auxiliary heating or cooling systems may be integrated into the TES system to supplement energy input or extraction during periods of high demand or when renewable energy sources are unavailable.
These instruments include sensors, meters, and controllers that monitor various parameters of the TES system and ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and safety.
By combining these components effectively, thermal energy storage systems can store excess thermal energy when it's available and release it when needed, contributing to energy savings and grid stability.
