Thermal energy storage allows thermal energy to be collected for later use. This can be hours, days or many months later and is achieved with different technologies. Thermal energy storage can be valuable and applicable for an individual building, a large multiuser building as a school or hospital, district or local area and even a complete town. With the help of thermal energy storage, energy demand can be balanced between day and night or summer and winter. For example, heat from the sun can be stored for use in winter, cold from winter air can be used in summer.
Thermal energy storage over seasons
Seasonal thermal energy storage (STES) is the common term for several technologies for storing heat or cold for longer periods of times. Thermal energy can be collected whenever it is available and can be used whenever needed. A less common term for seasonal thermal energy storage is interseasonal thermal energy storage. Thermal energy storage over seasons is also used extensively for the heating of greenhouses. With greenhouses, also other sources of energy and waste heat will be used for thermal energy storage.
Ecovat®, the solution for thermal energy storage
Ecovat® is an innovative, large thermal energy storage system with an extremely good storage capacity and longevity. The thermal energy in an Ecovat® is produced by cast-in-ground cylindrical volumes in which modular building standard wall sections are positioned. The heat exchange within the vessel takes place through heat exchangers integrated in the wall. With this thermal energy storage system which functions as a big buffer tank, heat and cold can be stored and circulated deep below the ground.
The different segments in the Ecovat® vessel can be charged and discharged at different temperatures. On the one hand, this allows a higher average temperature to be stored in the vessel. On the other hand, the temperature will be optimally adapted to the situation.