lämmönvarauksen

Lämpövaraus, often translated as thermal storage or heat storage, refers to the process and technology of capturing and saving heat for later use. This is a crucial concept in energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Thermal storage systems can be broadly categorized into three main types: sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical heat storage.

Sensible heat storage is the most common and involves raising or lowering the temperature of a storage medium without changing its phase. Materials like water, rocks, or concrete are often used. The amount of heat stored is directly proportional to the mass of the material, its specific heat capacity, and the temperature difference.

Latent heat storage utilizes the phase change of a material, such as melting or freezing, to store or release large amounts of energy at a nearly constant temperature. This is achieved using phase change materials (PCMs). While requiring a smaller volume than sensible heat storage for the same energy capacity, PCMs can be more complex and expensive.

Thermochemical heat storage involves reversible chemical reactions. This method offers the highest energy density among the three types, but it is also the most complex and less commercially developed. It relies on the heat absorbed or released during chemical processes.

The applications of thermal storage are diverse, ranging from domestic hot water systems and building heating and cooling to industrial processes and large-scale power generation. It plays a vital role in load balancing for the electricity grid, smoothing out the intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind power, and improving the overall efficiency of energy utilization.