Abwärmespeicher

Abwärmespeicher, also known as waste heat storage, are systems designed to capture and store heat that would otherwise be lost or released into the environment. This stored heat can then be utilized at a later time for various purposes, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing the need for primary energy sources. The principle behind Abwärmespeicher is to decouple the generation of waste heat from its consumption.

These storage systems can vary significantly in size and technology, ranging from small, localized units for industrial processes to large-scale district heating systems. Common types of Abwärmespeicher include sensible heat storage, which involves heating a medium like water or rock, and latent heat storage, which utilizes phase-change materials (PCMs) that absorb or release heat during melting or solidification. Thermal energy storage (TES) is a broader term encompassing these technologies.

The applications of Abwärmespeicher are diverse. In industry, waste heat from manufacturing processes can be captured and reused for space heating, preheating of raw materials, or even for generating electricity. In the building sector, heat generated from sources like data centers, air conditioning systems, or even solar thermal collectors can be stored and used for heating buildings during colder periods. This not only reduces energy costs but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.