Lämpönsäilytys

Lämpönsäilytys, often translated as thermal energy storage, refers to the technology and methods used to store thermal energy for later use. This stored heat can originate from various sources, including solar energy, industrial waste heat, or even electricity generated from renewable sources. The primary goal of lämpönsäilytys is to decouple heat generation from heat demand, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of thermal energy.

There are several common approaches to lämpönsäilytys. Sensible heat storage utilizes the change in temperature of a material to store energy. Water, rocks, and molten salts are frequently employed in this method due to their high specific heat capacity. Latent heat storage, on the other hand, stores energy through phase changes, such as the melting or freezing of materials. Phase change materials (PCMs) are specifically designed to have high latent heat values at desired temperature ranges. Thermochemical storage involves reversible chemical reactions that absorb or release heat. This method offers the potential for very high energy densities but is often more complex to implement.

The applications of lämpönsäilytys are diverse. In buildings, it can be used for space heating and cooling, reducing reliance on conventional heating systems and improving energy efficiency. Industrial processes can benefit from storing waste heat for reuse, thereby lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Large-scale lämpönsäilytys systems are also being developed for district heating networks and for buffering the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar thermal power plants. The development of more efficient and cost-effective lämpönsäilytys technologies is a key aspect of transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.