Iceberg cold and heat energy storage

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.

Why is ice storage important?

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. Ice storages are normally employed for demand peak shaving rather than seasonal load shifting, and are therefore limited in size with a clear operation objective , .

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.

What are ice storage devices used for?

They are also employed as longer-term thermal energy storage devices, as presented in , where the ice storage balances the heat rejected from summer cooling operations and the heat extracted by a heat pump in winter for space heating.

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).