Definition:
A method of storing energy as heat or cold, which can be later used for heating, cooling, or power generation.
Key Components:
- Storage medium (e.g., molten salt, chilled water, phase-change materials)
- Heat exchangers
- Insulated storage tanks
Use Cases/Industries:
- Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants
- HVAC systems in commercial buildings
- Industrial heat recovery
Advantages:
- Long-duration storage potential
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling
- Can improve efficiency of power plants
Challenges:
- Heat loss over time
- Requires large storage capacity for high energy density
- Infrastructure investment is significant
Related Terms:
Energy Storage System (ESS), Renewable Energy Integration, Decarbonization
Example:
CSP plants use molten salt thermal storage to generate electricity even when the sun isn’t shining.
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Synonyms:
Heat Storage, Cold Storage, Latent Heat Storage
