Soojusehoiu

Soojusehoiu, a term originating from Estonian, refers to the principle and practice of heat storage. It encompasses various methods and technologies designed to capture and retain thermal energy for later use. This can range from simple, passive techniques to complex, engineered systems. The primary goal of soojusehoiu is to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and provide a more reliable and sustainable energy supply.

Common forms of soojusehoiu include sensible heat storage, where the temperature of a storage medium is raised or lowered, and latent heat storage, which utilizes phase change materials that absorb or release heat during melting or freezing. Thermal mass, a fundamental concept in passive solar design, is another aspect of soojusehoiu, where building materials absorb solar heat during the day and release it at night. Industrial applications often involve large-scale thermal energy storage systems, such as molten salt storage in concentrated solar power plants, or underground thermal energy storage (UTES) systems. The effectiveness of soojusehoiu depends on factors like the storage capacity of the medium, insulation of the storage system, and the rate of heat transfer. By implementing soojusehoiu, it is possible to better manage fluctuating energy demands, utilize renewable energy sources more effectively, and contribute to a reduction in overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.