The future of energy storage thermal simulation

What is the future of energy storage?

Storage enables electricity systems to remain in balance despite variations in wind and solar availability, allowing for cost-effective deep decarbonization while maintaining reliability. The Future of Energy Storage report is an essential analysis of this key component in decarbonizing our energy infrastructure and combating climate change.

What is latent thermal energy storage?

Latent thermal energy storages are using phase change materials (PCMs) as storage material. By utilization of the phase change, a high storage density within a narrow temperature range is possible. Mainly materials with a solid–liquid phase change are applied due to the smaller volume change.

Are phase change materials suitable for thermal energy storage?

Phase change materials (PCMs) having a large latent heat during solid-liquid phase transition are promising for thermal energy storage applications. However, the relatively low thermal conductivity of the majority of promising PCMs (<10 W/ (m ⋅ K)) limits the power density and overall storage efficiency.

What are the challenges of latent thermal energy storage?

One of the main challenges for latent thermal energy storages is the phase change itself which requires a separation of the storage medium and HTF. Furthermore, PCMs usually have a low thermal conductivity, which limits the heat transfer and power of the storage.

How are sensible and latent thermal storage systems developed at Fraunhofer ISE?

Different sensible and latent thermal storage systems with different operation temperatures are developed at Fraunhofer ISE from the material to the system level. At the material level, the development of PCS, the degradation of PCMs, and the compatibility of fillers for sensible storages is addressed in current research projects.

What is thermal energy storage?

Thermal energy storages are applied to decouple the temporal offset between heat generation and demand. For increasing the share of fluctuating renewable energy sources, thermal energy storages are undeniably important. Typical applications are heat and cold supply for buildings or in industries as well as in thermal power plants.