Thermal energy storage systems theory

Course content

This course introduces system level approach to thermal energy storage (TES), considering the fundamentals of TES, and how it can improve the sustainability of energy systems. TES is introduced by assessing the need for its application, including excess heat from industrial and energy sector installations, production and demand mismatch (especially with RES production) and the role of consumer side incentive such as dynamic electricity and heat tariffs. A common approach is taken to all TES technologies emphasising the importance of temperatures and timescale (seasonal vs short term). The use of TES at different levels is then assessed as follows:

• Power plants, industrial level, including use of DH network for storage
• Community level, e.g. ATES, BTES, CTES, PTES
• Buildings, e.g. thermal mass, phase change materials, chemical storage, DSM with HP ground heat storage (rock/soil)

Learning outcomes

• Understand system level approach to thermal energy storage between power plants, industry, community and building level
• Can prepare fundamental heat and mass balances of thermal energy storages
• Connect the need for thermal energy storage created by both RES-Electricity and RES-Heat
• Compare functioning of different energy storage technologies & materials
• Able to characterise energy storage by technology, temperature, and timescale