APPLICATIONS OF THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE WITH ELECTRIFIED HEATING AND COOLING

Abstract

Thermal energy storage (TES) has emerged as a pivotal technology within the realm of electrified heating and cooling systems, offering innovative solutions to address energy intermittency, demand fluctuations, and overall efficiency enhancement. It highlights the diverse applications and benefits of integrating thermal energy storage with electrified heating and cooling systems. The integration of TES with electrified heating systems enables efficient utilization of surplus electricity from renewable sources during periods of low demand, storing excess thermal energy for later use. This facilitates load balancing, grid stabilization, and curtailment reduction, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of energy systems. Additionally, TES-equipped electrified heating systems empower demand response mechanisms, allowing consumers to optimize energy consumption according to pricing signals and grid conditions. The paper scrutinizes the application of TES in electrified heating systems, elucidating how excess electrical energy can be converted and stored as thermal energy for later use. This process empowers users with flexibility in energy consumption, fostering demand response mechanisms and grid-friendly behavior. Furthermore, the paper delves into the mechanics of TES-driven electrified cooling, highlighting its potential to reshape cooling demand patterns and mitigate strain on the grid during peak hours. Thermal energy storage (TES) has been shown to be effective in mitigating the increase in peak demand that is seen with electrified heating and cooling systems. By storing thermal energy during off-peak hours, demand can be effectively shifted away from the peak hours. In this study, we investigate the potential of a ground source heat pump coupled with a TES system, in the form of water storage tanks, as a way of decarbonizing the HVAC system while minimizing operating and installed costs.