Storing summer heat for winter utilization: An examination of seasonal thermal storage applications
In a bid to reduce energy consumption during the winter months, heat storage technology has gained significant attention. This innovative approach involves storing summer's warmth for later use, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional energy sources.
Heat storage systems follow a simple principle: heat flows from higher to lower temperatures. The cost of heat storage technology decreases exponentially with size, making larger systems more economical to operate. This is due to the improved volume-to-surface ratio in larger storage systems, which results in less heat loss.
Insulation plays a crucial role in these systems, whether they are tank storage systems or earth ponds. Insulation is used to retain heat and reduce energy loss, with an insulation lid often placed on top of storage systems to prevent heat loss. In earth ponds, water flows are carefully managed to prevent heat energy from being carried away.
Heat storage media can vary from water and other liquids to more specialized materials. Sand, for instance, can be used as a heat storage medium up to approximately 1000 °C, making it suitable for some industrial processes. Concrete is another suitable medium for houses, with newer buildings sometimes planned with a large foundation heat storage system.
Water and other liquids, including some cheaply available materials, can be used as heat storage media, accelerating heat equalization through heat exchangers. These systems are designed to minimize heat loss as waste heat, whether in earth ponds or insulated storage systems.
One of the largest example projects for seasonal heat storage is the pilot plant at the ETH Campus Hönggerberg in Switzerland, using iron-based hydrogen storage technology. This project stores about 10 MWh of hydrogen—equivalent to 4-6 MWh of electricity—with plans to expand by 2026 to store about 4 GWh of hydrogen and deliver 2 GWh of electricity plus 2 GWh of heat integrated into the campus heating system.
Most heat storage projects are implemented as settlement solutions, supplying district heating to multiple well-insulated households. Small heat storage projects can be expensive, but they become profitable at a certain size. Stored heat can cover 45 to 70 percent of the heat demand, making it a valuable addition to traditional heating solutions.
In summary, heat storage technology offers a promising solution for reducing energy consumption during winter months. By storing summer's warmth, we can reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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