How does ice storage affect energy cost?

This definition has the useful effect of the ice storage (providing “free cooling” to the building) at the numerator and the corresponding energy cost at the denominator. In fact, extracting heat from the storage has a cost due to the electricity needed to drive the compressors of the Water-to-Water Heat Pump (WWHP).

Can ice storage systems be optimized for seasonal energy storage?

While the optimization of the design and operation of energy systems with seasonal thermal energy storage has been the focus of several recent research efforts, there is a clear gap in the literature on the optimization of systems employing ice storage systems, particularly for seasonal energy storage purposes.

What is ice storage?

The expression “ice storage” commonly defines thermal storage employing the enthalpy difference of water during its phase change from liquid to solid . The high latent heat of fusion of water results in a higher energy density for this type of storage compared to water-based sensible storage, leading to smaller volumes.

How does thermal ice storage work?

Thermal ice storage is a technology that can store excess electricity capacity from the sun or wind and convert it into 'cold' thermal energy by freezing water into ice. This ice is then used later to feed into the cooling network during periods of need. In this application, the ice storage system also contributes to smoothing the load on the electricity grid.

What is thermal ice storage?

Thermal ice storage is a technology that provides a cap on peak cooling demand. During periods when the existing cooling technology is not fully utilized, the storage is charged. The stored energy is then fed back into the system when required. This alignment of refrigeration technology with the average demand allows for more economical dimensioning.

Why do ice storage systems have a higher energy density?

The high latent heat of fusion of water results in a higher energy density for this type of storage compared to water-based sensible storage, leading to smaller volumes. Since the melting temperature of water is 0 °C, ice storage systems are used as a heat source during the heating season, to provide free cooling during summer.