Solar energy storage solar thermal management

What is thermal energy storage (TES) in solar energy field?

Usage of renewable and clean solar energy is expanding at a rapid pace. Applications of thermal energy storage (TES) facility in solar energy field enable dispatchability in generation of electricity and home space heating requirements. It helps mitigate the intermittence issue with an energy source like solar energy.

Why is solar thermal energy storage important?

For regions with an abundance of solar energy, solar thermal energy storage technology offers tremendous potential for ensuring energy security, minimizing carbon footprints, and reaching sustainable development goals. Global energy demand soared because of the economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is a thermal energy storage system (PCM)?

In thermal energy storage systems, PCMs are essential for storing energy during high renewable energy generation periods, such as solar and wind. This energy storage capability allows for more efficient supply and demand management, enhancing grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources .

What are the properties of solar thermal energy storage materials?

2. The properties of solar thermal energy storage materials Applications like house space heating require low temperature TES below 50 °C, while applications like electrical power generation require high temperature TES systems above 175 °C .

What are the components of a solar thermal energy storage system?

The performances of solar thermal energy storage systems A TES system consists of three parts: storage medium, heat exchanger and storage tank. Storage medium can be sensible, latent heat or thermochemical storage material . The purpose of the heat exchanger is to supply or extract heat from the storage medium.

Why do solar collectors need a thermal energy storage system?

Because of the unstable and intermittent nature of solar energy availability, a thermal energy storage system is required to integrate with the collectors to store thermal energy and retrieve it whenever it is required.