TESin

TESin is a term used in energy engineering to describe systems that integrate thermal energy storage with intelligent control and power management to balance energy supply and demand. The term combines TES (thermal energy storage) with an indication of integration with heating, cooling, and electrical infrastructure. It is used primarily in building energy systems, district energy networks, and solar thermal installations.

Concept and components: The core idea is to store thermal energy when supply exceeds demand and retrieve it when demand exceeds supply. Storage media include sensible water or rock tanks, latent heat storage using phase-change materials, and hybrid approaches. The system typically includes heat exchangers, insulation, sensors, and a control layer that can include building management systems and energy management software. Communication with external grids or renewable sources enables demand response.

Operation and control: TESin systems rely on forecasting and optimization, often via model predictive control or rule-based strategies to shift loads, reduce peak demand, and improve renewable utilization. They may participate in ancillary services or microgrid operation while maintaining comfort and process requirements.

Applications and status: In buildings, TESin supports space heating and cooling with solar or waste heat sources. In district heating or industrial settings, it enables load leveling and process heat integration. While numerous pilot projects exist, there is no single universal standard; definitions and configurations vary by project and supplier.

Related topics include thermal energy storage, phase-change materials, district cooling, and energy management.