lämpösäilytyksen

Lämpösäilytys, known in English as thermal storage or heat storage, is a technology that allows energy, usually in the form of heat, to be stored for later use. This stored energy can then be released to provide heating or electricity when needed. Lämpösäilytys is an important component in strategies aimed at improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources.

There are several methods for lämpösäilytys. Sensible heat storage involves storing heat by changing the temperature of a storage medium. Common materials include water, rocks, concrete, and salts. Latent heat storage utilizes the phase change of a material, such as melting or freezing, to store and release large amounts of energy at a relatively constant temperature. Thermochemical heat storage involves reversible chemical reactions that absorb or release heat.

Applications of lämpösäilytys are diverse. In buildings, it can be used for space heating and cooling, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and electricity during peak demand. Industrial processes can benefit from storing waste heat for reuse. Lämpösäilytys is also crucial for renewable energy systems like solar thermal power plants, where it allows for electricity generation even when the sun is not shining. Electric vehicles can also incorporate thermal storage to pre-condition the cabin or battery, improving efficiency and comfort. The effectiveness of lämpösäilytys depends on factors such as the storage material's properties, the efficiency of charging and discharging cycles, and the overall system design.