Thermal Storage Systems: Engineering Heat Batteries
Discover the different system designs that make thermal energy storage practical and scalable
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Section 3 of 5Thermal Storage System Architectures
Thermal energy storage systems come in many forms, each optimized for different applications, temperature ranges, and cost constraints. The choice of system architecture depends on factors like required storage duration, operating temperature, available space, and integration with existing infrastructure.
Direct Systems
Heat is stored directly in the thermal mass. Examples: molten salt tanks, concrete modules. Simple and cost-effective but require careful thermal management.
Indirect Systems
Heat transfer fluids carry thermal energy to/from storage media. Examples: oil or air systems with rock beds. More complex but offer better temperature control.
System Design Considerations
Key factors in TES system design include thermal losses, heat transfer efficiency, material compatibility, scalability, and integration with charging/discharging equipment. Each system type represents different trade-offs between cost, performance, and complexity.
Interactive TES System Configurator
TES System Comparison
| System | Type | Capacity | Efficiency | Cost ($/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank-based Sensible Storage | Sensible | 100-1000 MWh | 85-90% | $50-100/kWh |
| Packed Bed Storage | Sensible | 10-500 MWh | 80-95% | $30-80/kWh |
| Phase Change Material (PCM) | Latent | 1-100 MWh | 90-95% | $100-300/kWh |
| Thermochemical Storage | Chemical | 10-1000 MWh | 70-90% | $200-500/kWh |
| Concrete Thermal Storage | Sensible | 50-500 MWh | 85-92% | $40-70/kWh |
| Underground Thermal Storage | Sensible | 100-10000 MWh | 60-80% | $10-30/kWh |