0
Research Papers

# Performance of Large-Scale Seasonal Thermal Energy Stores

[+] Author and Article Information
F. Ochs1

Institute of Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering, Pfaffenwaldring 6, 70569 Stuttgart, Germanyochs@itw.uni-stuttgart.de

W. Heidemann

Institute of Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering, Pfaffenwaldring 6, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany

H. Müller-Steinhagen

Institute of Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering, Pfaffenwaldring 6, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, DLR Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany

Hot water TES: $Δϑ=90°C−30°C=60 K$, $(ρ⋅c)HW=4.19 MJ/(m3 K)$. Gravel water TES: $Δϑ=80°C−30°C=50 K$, $(ρ⋅c)GW=2.8 MJ/(m3 K)$. Borehole TES: $Δϑ=60°C−10°C=50 K$ with heat pump, $(ρ⋅c)soil=2.0 MJ/(m3 K)$. Aquifer TES: $Δϑ=60°C−10°C=50 K$ with heat pump, $(ρ⋅c)aquifer=2.5$.

1

Corresponding author.

J. Sol. Energy Eng 131(4), 041005 (Sep 18, 2009) (7 pages) doi:10.1115/1.3197842 History: Received November 28, 2008; Revised July 01, 2009; Published September 18, 2009

## Abstract

More than 30 international research and pilot seasonal thermal energy stores (TESs) were realized within the past 30 years. Experiences with operation of these systems show that TES are technically feasible and work well. Seasonal storage of solar thermal energy or of waste heat from heat and power cogeneration plants can significantly contribute to substitute fossil fuels in future energy systems. However, performance with respect to thermal losses and lifetime has to be enhanced, while construction costs have to be further reduced. This paper gives an overview about the state-of-the-art of seasonal thermal energy storage with the focus on tank and pit TES construction. Aspects of TES modeling are given. Based on modeled and measured data, the influence of construction type, system configuration, and boundary conditions on thermal losses of large-scale TES is identified. The focus is on large-scale applications with tank and pit thermal energy stores and on recent investigations on suitable materials and constructions. Furthermore, experiences with the operation of these systems with respect to storage performance are discussed.

<>

## Figures

Figure 1

Four types of seasonal thermal energy stores (3)

Figure 2

Multilayered (composite) side wall of a seasonal thermal energy store, top: insulation inside with respect to the concrete/steel structure, and bottom: insulation outside with respect to the concrete/steel structure

Figure 3

History plot of storage and soil temperatures of the hot water tank TES in Friedrichshafen

Figure 4

History plot of absolute thermal losses Q and specific thermal losses U⋅A=Q/(ϑstorage,mean−ϑambient/soil,mean) of the hot water tank TES in Friedrichshafen

## Discussions

Some tools below are only available to our subscribers or users with an online account.

### Related Content

Customize your page view by dragging and repositioning the boxes below.

Related Journal Articles
Related Proceedings Articles
Related eBook Content
Topic Collections