Lämpövarastointimenetelmien

Lämpövarastointimenetelmät, known in English as thermal energy storage methods, refer to technologies and techniques used to store thermal energy for later use. This stored heat or cold can be utilized for heating, cooling, or power generation. The primary goal is to balance the supply and demand of thermal energy, which can be intermittent or fluctuating.

There are three main categories of thermal energy storage: sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical heat storage. Sensible heat storage involves changing the temperature of a storage medium without changing its phase. Common materials include water, rocks, and concrete. This is the simplest and most widely used method, often employed in buildings for heating and cooling. Latent heat storage utilizes the phase change of a material, such as melting or freezing, to absorb or release large amounts of energy at a nearly constant temperature. Phase change materials (PCMs) are key to this method. Thermochemical heat storage involves reversible chemical reactions to store and release heat. These methods offer higher energy densities but are generally more complex and less mature than the other two.

Applications for thermal energy storage are diverse, ranging from domestic hot water systems and building climate control to large-scale industrial processes and renewable energy integration. For example, solar thermal systems often incorporate sensible heat storage to provide heat when the sun is not shining. Similarly, off-peak electricity can be used to generate heat or cold for storage, reducing peak demand and electricity costs. The development of advanced thermal energy storage materials and systems is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency, grid stability, and the integration of renewable energy sources into the energy system.