Prioritize the development of solar thermal energy storage

What is thermal energy storage (TES)?

Thermal Energy Storage (TES), in combination with CSP, enables power stations to store solar energy and then redistribute electricity as required to adjust for fluctuations in renewable energy output. In this article, the development and potential prospects of different CSP technologies are reviewed and compared with various TES systems.

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.

How can a high-temperature solar system improve thermal stability?

Recent advancements have focused on creating materials with high storage capacity and improved thermal stability . For instance, research on direct steam generation (DSG) in solar collectors has shown promising results for high-temperature solar applications using advanced materials that enhance thermal stability and storage capacity .

Can thermal energy storage be used in CSP plants?

The introduction of thermal energy storage (TES) to CSP plants could balance the supply and demand of energy by minimizing the adverse effects of solar energy intermittency . Increased use of irregular RES has an impact on grid stability.

How effective is thermal storage in solar plants?

A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of TES in solar plants, showing how thermal storage capacity significantly improves operational efficiency and production stability [2, 8].

Can a hybrid solar system improve storage efficiency and thermal energy management?

A recent experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of a hybrid system in solar applications, demonstrating that integrating PCM into sensible storage systems can significantly improve storage efficiency and thermal energy management capacity .