What is thermal energy storage?

Thermal energy storage (TES) is a critical enabler for the large-scale deployment of renewable energy and transition to a decarbonized building stock and energy system by 2050.

What are the benefits of thermal storage systems?

In general, TES systems can achieve high efficiency, up to 90%. They can reduce energy consumption and costs by shifting the energy demand to off-peak hours, reducing the need for peak power generation. What are two types of thermal storage?

How long can a thermal energy storage system store energy?

Long Duration Storage: Unlike batteries, which are typically limited in how long they can store energy, thermal energy storage systems can store heat for extended periods, sometimes for days or even months, making them ideal for long-duration energy storage needs.

What is a thermal storage system?

District Heating: Thermal storage is commonly used in district heating systems, where it stores energy for the entire district or neighborhood. The stored heat can be distributed to homes and businesses for space heating and hot water.

Can thermal energy storage be combined with other energy storage solutions?

In the future, thermal energy storage could also be combined with other energy storage solutions, such as battery storage, to create hybrid systems that are even more reliable and efficient. Thermal energy storage is a vital piece of the puzzle in the global transition to a renewable energy future.

What are the different types of thermal energy storage?

Thermal energy can be stored in different ways, such as sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical storage. Practical heat storage involves increasing the temperature of a material, such as water or rock. In contrast, latent heat storage consists of changing a material's phase, such as from solid to liquid or from liquid to gas.