DOCSLIB.ORG

Thermal Storage Technology Assessment an Introductory Assessment of Thermal Storage in Residential Cold Climate Construction

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Thermal Storage Technology Assessment an Introductory Assessment of Thermal Storage in Residential Cold Climate Construction Thermal Storage Technology Assessment An introductory assessment of thermal storage in residential cold climate construction February 2013 by Vanessa Stevens Colin Craven Bruno Grunau With funding from the Alaska Housing Finance Cor- poration & the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge the many people who participated in interviews for this report, sharing their knowledge and expertise on the topic of thermal storage. Several of the systems built by these individuals appear in Appendix B. Also, thanks to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for providing funding for this project. 3 Thermal Storage Technolog y Assessment www.cchrc.org Contents Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 1. Thermal Storage Fundamentals........................................................................................................................ 7 1.1 Definition ................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Uses of thermal storage ............................................................................................................................. 7 1.3 Basic types of storage............................................................................................................................... 10 1.3.1 Sensible heat storage ........................................................................................................................ 10 1.3.2 Latent heat storage (phase change materials) ................................................................................... 11 1.4 Active vs. passive thermal storage ............................................................................................................ 15 2. Design Considerations.................................................................................................................................... 16 2.1 Method of charging thermal storage ........................................................................................................ 16 2.2 Storage material....................................................................................................................................... 17 2.3 Time frame .............................................................................................................................................. 18 2.4 Temperature range .................................................................................................................................. 18 2.5 Size .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.6 Efficiency ................................................................................................................................................. 20 2.7 Retrofit and new construction considerations .......................................................................................... 21 2.8 Commercialization of thermal storage...................................................................................................... 21 3. Thermal Storage Examples ............................................................................................................................. 23 3.1 Electrical thermal storage (ETS) ................................................................................................................ 23 3.2 Biomass technologies ............................................................................................................................... 23 3.3 Solar thermal systems .............................................................................................................................. 24 Synthesis of Findings.......................................................................................................................................... 27 Research Recommendations .............................................................................................................................. 29 Works Cited ....................................................................................................................................................... 30 Appendix A: Literature Resources ...................................................................................................................... 32 Appendix B: Thermal Storage Systems in Cold Climates ..................................................................................... 38 Wood boiler thermal storage for daily cycling ................................................................................................ 38 Seasonal storage of solar and wood energy in Fairbanks ................................................................................ 40 Seasonal storage of solar and wood energy in Homer .................................................................................... 42 Off-peak power use of a ground source heat pump........................................................................................ 43 Electric grid stabilization through the use of thermal storage ......................................................................... 44 Solar thermal storage with water tank and soil .............................................................................................. 45 District solar thermal heating system ............................................................................................................. 46 Seasonal storage of solar energy in Edmonton ............................................................................................... 48 Wood boiler thermal storage for multi-day heating ....................................................................................... 49 Appendix C: Sample Thermal Storage Calculations ............................................................................................. 50 4 Thermal Storage Technolog y Assessment www.cchrc.org Acronyms AFUE Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. BTU British Thermal Unit C Celsius CCHRC Cold Climate Housing Research Center COP Coefficient of Performance DOE Department of Energy EPS Expanded Polystyrene ETS Electrical Thermal Storage F Fahrenheit PCM Phase Change Material PHPP Passive House Planning Package 5 Thermal Storage Technolog y Assessment www.cchrc.org Introduction Space heating accounts for 74% of energy consumption in single-family residences in Alaska (ARIS, 2012), while domestic hot water heating accounts for 15 – 25% of home energy use in America (U.S. Department of Energy, 2011). As such, researchers and residents of Alaska and other heating-dominated climates are continually searching for methods to raise efficiencies and reduce costs. One such method that has recently attracted attention in Alaska is thermal storage, which is currently being used in Alaska and other cold climates in conjunction with heating systems. For instance, a thermal net-zero home was recently built in Fairbanks. The heating system uses solar thermal panels and a masonry heater to charge a 5,000-gallon thermal storage tank that provides heat to a radiant floor for space heating. The thermal storage tank also provides heat for the domestic hot water system. The potential of thermal storage to enhance the use of renewable heating systems in cold climates, increase the efficiency of heating systems, and reduce emissions has raised interest in its use. In spite of its potential, there are few informational resources on the successful application of thermal storage in cold climates. Currently, there are limited educational materials and literary articles on thermal storage systems in cold climates, and on how thermal storage can be best integrated into a heating system. This report aims to provide an informative, though introductory, assessment of the current status of thermal storage in residential construction in cold climates. The authors’ primary motivation is to provide building researchers and building owners living in cold climates with a document outlining the applications and potential of thermal storage in heating systems. It is hoped that this document can also be used to inform and define future research on thermal storage in cold climates. This report consists of three main sections, which are a compilation of preliminary findings from literature research and interviews with homeowners in cold climates on the topic of thermal storage for use with residential space heating and domestic hot water systems. First, readers will find Thermal Storage Fundamentals, with general definitions and information on the different types and uses of thermal storage. The second section, Design Considerations, includes information on characteristics of thermal storage, its efficiency, and construction considerations. Lastly, Thermal Storage Examples contains more details about three commonly used methods of charging thermal storage systems. The report concludes with
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Economic and Environmental Analysis of Investing in Solar Water Heating Systems
    sustainability Article Economic and Environmental Analysis of Investing in Solar Water Heating Systems Alexandru ¸Serban 1, Nicoleta B˘arbu¸t˘a-Mi¸su 2, Nicoleta Ciucescu 3, Simona Paraschiv 4 and Spiru Paraschiv 4,* 1 Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500152 Brasov, Romania; [email protected] 2 Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Street, 800008 Galati, Romania; [email protected] 3 Faculty of Economics, Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, 157 Marasesti Street, 600115 Bacau, Romania; [email protected] 4 Faculty of Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Street, 800008 Galati, Romania; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +40-721-320-403 Academic Editor: Francesco Asdrubali Received: 26 August 2016; Accepted: 2 December 2016; Published: 8 December 2016 Abstract: Solar water heating (SWH) systems can provide a significant part of the heat energy that is required in the residential sector. The use of SWH systems is motivated by the desire to reduce energy consumption and especially to reduce a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The purposes of the present paper consist in: assessing the solar potential; analysing the possibility of using solar energy to heat water for residential applications in Romania; investigating the economic potential of SWH systems; and their contribution to saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions. The results showed that if solar systems are used, the annual energy savings amount to approximately 71%, and the reduction of GHG emissions into the atmosphere are of 18.5 tonnes of CO2 over the lifespan of the system, with a discounted payback period of 6.8–8.6 years, in accordance with the savings achieved depending on system characteristics, the solar radiation available, ambient air temperature and on heating load characteristics.
    [Show full text]
  • A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Energy Storage
    sustainability Review A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Energy Storage Ioan Sarbu * ID and Calin Sebarchievici Department of Building Services Engineering, Polytechnic University of Timisoara, Piata Victoriei, No. 2A, 300006 Timisoara, Romania; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +40-256-403-991; Fax: +40-256-403-987 Received: 7 December 2017; Accepted: 10 January 2018; Published: 14 January 2018 Abstract: Thermal energy storage (TES) is a technology that stocks thermal energy by heating or cooling a storage medium so that the stored energy can be used at a later time for heating and cooling applications and power generation. TES systems are used particularly in buildings and in industrial processes. This paper is focused on TES technologies that provide a way of valorizing solar heat and reducing the energy demand of buildings. The principles of several energy storage methods and calculation of storage capacities are described. Sensible heat storage technologies, including water tank, underground, and packed-bed storage methods, are briefly reviewed. Additionally, latent-heat storage systems associated with phase-change materials for use in solar heating/cooling of buildings, solar water heating, heat-pump systems, and concentrating solar power plants as well as thermo-chemical storage are discussed. Finally, cool thermal energy storage is also briefly reviewed and outstanding information on the performance and costs of TES systems are included. Keywords: storage system; phase-change materials; chemical storage; cold storage; performance 1. Introduction Recent projections predict that the primary energy consumption will rise by 48% in 2040 [1]. On the other hand, the depletion of fossil resources in addition to their negative impact on the environment has accelerated the shift toward sustainable energy sources.
    [Show full text]
  • Solar Community Energy and Storage Systems for Cold Climates
    SOLAR COMMUNITY ENERGY AND STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR COLD CLIMATES by Farzin Masoumi Rad Bachelor of Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering), Shiraz University, Iran, 1986 Master of Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering), Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, 2009 A dissertation presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the program of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2016 © Farzin M. Rad 2016 Author’s Declaration I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this dissertation. This is a true copy of the dissertation, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by other means, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I understand that my dissertation may be made electronically available to the public. ii SOLAR COMMUNITY ENERGY AND STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR COLD CLIMATES Farzin Masoumi Rad Doctor of Philosophy Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2016 Abstract For a hypothetical solar community located in Toronto, Ontario, the viability of two separate combined heating and cooling systems were investigated. Four TRNSYS integrated models were developed for different cases. First, an existing heating only solar community was modeled and compared with published performance data as the base case with suggested improvements. The base case community was then used to develop a hypothetical solar community, located in Toronto, requiring both heating and cooling.
    [Show full text]
  • Performance Prediction of a Solar District Cooling System in Riyadh, Saudi T Arabia – a Case Study ⁎ G
    Energy Conversion and Management 166 (2018) 372–384 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Energy Conversion and Management journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/enconman Performance prediction of a solar district cooling system in Riyadh, Saudi T Arabia – A case study ⁎ G. Franchini , G. Brumana, A. Perdichizzi Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Bergamo, 5 Marconi Street, Dalmine 24044, Italy ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: The present paper aims to evaluate the performance of a solar district cooling system in typical Middle East Solar cooling climate conditions. A centralized cooling station is supposed to distribute chilled water for a residential com- District cooling pound through a piping network. Two different solar cooling technologies are compared: two-stage lithium- Parabolic trough bromide absorption chiller (2sABS) driven by Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) vs. single-stage lithium-bro- Absorption chiller mide absorption chiller (1sABS) fed by Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETCs). A computer code has been developed Thermal storage in Trnsys® (the transient simulation software developed by the University of Wisconsin) to simulate on hourly basis the annual operation of the solar cooling system, including building thermal load calculation, thermal losses in pipes and control strategy of the energy storage. A solar fraction of 70% was considered to size the solar field aperture area and the chiller capacity, within a multi-variable optimization process. An auxiliary com- pression chiller is supposed to cover the peak loads and to be used as backup unit. The two different solar cooling plants exhibit strongly different performance. For each plant configuration, the model determined the optimal size of every component leading to the primary cost minimization.
    [Show full text]
  • Solar Combisystems
    Method and comparison of advanced storage concepts A Report of IEA Solar Heating and Cooling programme - Task 32 “Advanced storage concepts for solar and low energy buildings” Report A4 of Subtask A December 2007 Jean-Christophe Hadorn Thomas Letz Michel Haller Method and comparison of advanced storage concepts Jean-Christophe Hadorn, BASE Consultants SA, Geneva, Switzerland Thomas Letz INES Education, Le Bourget du Lac, France Contribution on method: Michel Haller Institute of Thermal Engineering Div. Solar Energy and Thermal Building Simulation Graz University of Technology Inffeldgasse 25 B, A-8010 Graz A technical report of Subtask A BASE CONSULTANTS SA 8 rue du Nant CP 6268 CH - 1211 Genève INES - Education Parc Technologique de Savoie Technolac 50 avenue du Léman BP 258 F - 73 375 LE BOURGET DU LAC Cedex 3 Executive Summary This report presents the criteria that Task 32 has used to evaluate and compare several storage concepts part of a solar combisystem and a comparison of storage solutions in a system. Criteria have been selected based on relevance and simplicity. When values can not be assessed for storage techniques to new to be fully developped, we used more qualitative data. Comparing systems is always a very hard task. Boundary conditions and all paramaters must be comparable. This is very difficult to achieve when 9 analysts work around the world on similar systems but with different storage units. This report is an attempt of a comparison. Main generic results that we can draw with some confidency from the inter comparison of systems are: - The drain back principle increases thermal performances because it does not use of a heat exchanger in the solar loop and increases therefore the efficiency of the solar collector.
    [Show full text]
  • RESET CHAPTER 2: Development and Assessment of Methodologies to Improve Local Microclimate with the Use of RES Techniques
    CONTENTS RESSET - Chapter 1: Collection and documentation of the input data and evaluation tools required to carry out the study................................................................................................................................ 4 1. Development and assessment of methodologies to improve local microclimate with the use of RES techniques............................................................................................................................................. 4 1.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2. Energy Balance of Settlements ...................................................................................................... 4 1.3. Microclimate in Settlements .......................................................................................................... 5 1.4. Use of Passive Cooling Techniques applied to Outdoor Spaces ................................................... 6 2. Passive solar heating and cooling and advanced glazing materials...................................................... 8 2.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 8 2.2. Building-integrated PV .................................................................................................................. 8 2.3. Passive solar systems ....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Integration of Micro-Cogeneration Units and Electric Storages Into a Micro-Scale Residential Solar District Heating System Operating with a Seasonal Thermal Storage
    energies Article Integration of Micro-Cogeneration Units and Electric Storages into a Micro-Scale Residential Solar District Heating System Operating with a Seasonal Thermal Storage Antonio Rosato * , Antonio Ciervo, Giovanni Ciampi , Michelangelo Scorpio and Sergio Sibilio Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, Italy; [email protected] (A.C.); [email protected] (G.C.); [email protected] (M.S.); [email protected] (S.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-081-501-0845 Received: 31 July 2020; Accepted: 9 October 2020; Published: 19 October 2020 Abstract: A micro-scale district heating network based on the operation of solar thermal collectors coupled to a long-term borehole thermal storage is modeled, simulated and investigated over a period of five years. The plant is devoted to covering the domestic hot water and space heating demands of a district composed of six typical residential buildings located in Naples (southern Italy). Three alternative natural gas-fueled back-up auxiliary systems (condensing boiler and two different technologies of micro-cogeneration) aiming at balancing the solar energy intermittency are investigated. The utilization of electric storages in combination with the cogeneration systems is also considered with the aim of improving the self-consumption of cogenerated electric energy; heat recovery from the distribution circuit is also evaluated to pre-heat the mains water for domestic hot water production. The performances of the proposed plant schemes are contrasted with those of a typical Italian decentralized heating plant (based on the utilization of natural gas-fueled non-condensing boilers).
    [Show full text]
  • Dynamic Performance of a Solar Hybrid Heating Network Integrated with a Micro
    ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dynamic Performance of a Solar Hybrid Heating Network Integrated with a Micro- Cogeneration Unit Serving a Small-Scale Residential District including Electric Vehicles Antonio Rosato, Antonio Ciervo, Giovanni Ciampi, Michelangelo Scorpio, Francesco Guarino, Sergio Sibilio University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, Aversa, Italy Abstract (Angrisani et al., 2014). The micro-cogeneration devices applied in residential units generally operate under a heat- A solar hybrid district heating network integrated with a load following control strategy in response to variations seasonal borehole thermal energy storage is modelled, in heat demand (Sibilio and Rosato, 2015); in this case, a simulated and analyzed over a 5-year period. The system large fraction of the cogenerated electricity is usually is devoted to satisfying the thermal demand of a small- produced at times when the electric demand of the scale district consisting of 6 typical Italian single-family building is lower than MCHP electric output due to the houses in Naples (south of Italy); the charging of 6 plug- usual mismatch between electric and thermal demands in electric vehicles is also considered. The performance of (Ribberink and Entchev, 2014), requiring substantial the proposed plant is investigated by considering two amounts of electricity to be exported to the grid with low alternative natural gas-fueled back-up systems. The revenues. EVs consume considerable amounts of energy, environmental and economic performance of the electricity; they are mostly driven during the day and proposed plant are analyzed and compared with those charged at home during the night, so that the recharging associated to a conventional heating system in order to of EVs could be a way to increase the own use of assess the potential benefits.
    [Show full text]
  • Advanced Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
    IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme The International Energy Agency (IEA) was established in 1974 as an autonomous agency within the framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to carry out a comprehensive program of energy cooperation among its 24 member countries and the Commission of the European Communities. An important part of the Agency's program involves collaboration in the research, development and demonstration of new energy technologies to reduce excessive reliance on imported oil, increase long-term energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The IEA's R&D activities are headed by the Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT) and supported by a small Secretariat staff, headquartered in Paris. In addition, three Working Parties are charged with monitoring the various collaborative energy agreements, identifying new areas for cooperation and advising the CERT on policy matters. Collaborative programs in the various energy technology areas are conducted under Implementing Agreements, which are signed by contracting parties (government agencies or entities designated by them). There are currently 41 Implementing Agreements covering fossil fuel technologies, renewable energy technologies, efficient energy end-use technologies, fusion technology and energy technology information centers. The Solar Heating and Cooling Programme was one of the first IEA Implementing Agreements to be established. Since 1977, its 21 members have been collaborating to advance active solar, passive solar and photovoltaic technologies and their application in buildings. Australia Finland Netherlands Turkey Austria France New Zealand United Kingdom Belgium Germany Norway United States Canada Greece Spain Denmark Italy Sweden European Commission Japan Switzerland A total of 22 Tasks have been initiated, 17 of which have been completed.
    [Show full text]
  • Design of Central Solar Heating with Underground Seasonal Storage in Australia
    DESIGN OF CENTRAL SOLAR HEATING WITH UNDERGROUND SEASONAL STORAGE IN AUSTRALIA N. Chotivisarut T. Kiatsiriroat Department of Mechanical Abstract Engineering, Chiang Mai University, The simulation of the central solar heating system with seasonal storage Thailand has done by using TRNSYS to predict thermal performances and economic aspects. The location of the simulated site is at Glenroy, Melbourne, a L. Aye southern part of Australia (latitude: 37º 42´ S, longitude: 144º 5´ E, International Technologies Centre, altitude: 97 m.). The meteorological conditions data are prepared by Department of Civil and Meteonorm, based on 10 years of measurements . The central solar heating Environmental Engineering, The system consist of solar collector, a well-insulated underground seasonal University of Melbourne, Australia thermal storage tank with heater, fan coil unit that installed in the heating zone and two single speed pump. In the daytime, water from the underground storage tank will feed pass through the solar collector, collecting energy and return to underground storage tank, that will keep the water temperature gradually goes up. In the winter time, and when the indoor house temperature is below 21 ºC, the warm water from the underground storage tank will feed into the house. The heating coil, install in the house, will work as heat exchanger so that energy from water could transfer to an air space in the house to keep the indoor temperature above 21 ºC and the residents may feel comfortable. The sizing of the underground storage tank and also the auxiliary heater capacity are limited by its initial cost and availability, so it will be set as selected parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage with Heat Pumps and Low Temperatures in Building Projects—A Comparative Review
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 43 (2015) 1199–1213 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/rser Seasonal thermal energy storage with heat pumps and low temperatures in building projects—A comparative review Arefeh Hesaraki a,n, Sture Holmberg a, Fariborz Haghighat b a Division of Fluid and Climate Technology, School of Architecture and the Built Environment, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden b Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada article info abstract Article history: Application of seasonal thermal energy storage with heat pumps for heating and cooling buildings has Received 5 June 2014 received much consideration in recent decades, as it can help to cover gaps between energy availability Accepted 3 December 2014 and demand, e.g. from summer to winter. This has the potential to reduce the large proportion of energy consumed by buildings, especially in colder climate countries. The problem with seasonal storage, Keywords: however, is heat loss. This can be reduced by low-temperature storage but a heat pump is then Seasonal thermal energy storage recommended to adjust temperatures as needed by buildings in use. The aim of this paper was to Heat pump compare different seasonal thermal energy storage methods using a heat pump in terms of coefficient of Solar fraction performance (COP) of heat pump and solar fraction, and further, to investigate the relationship between Coefficient of performance of heat pump those factors and the size of the system, i.e. collector area and storage volume based on past building projects including residences, offices and schools.
    [Show full text]
  • The Central Solar Heating Plant with Aquifer Thermal Energy Store in Rostock - Results After Four Years of Operation
    EuroSun 2004 – The 5th ISES Europe Solar Conference, 20-23 June 2004, Freiburg, Germany The Central Solar Heating Plant with Aquifer Thermal Energy Store in Rostock - Results after four years of operation Thomas Schmidt1), Hans Müller-Steinhagen1)2)3) 1)Solar- und Wärmetechnik Stuttgart (SWT), A Research Institute within the Steinbeis-Foundation, Pfaffenwaldring 10, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany, Tel. +49-(0)711-685-3299, Fax: +49-(0)711-685-3242, Internet: www.swt-stuttgart.de, Email: [email protected] 2)Institute for Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering (ITW), University of Stuttgart 3)Institute of Technical Thermodynamics (ITT), German Aerospace Center In Rostock the first German central solar heating plant with an aquifer thermal energy store (ATES) went into operation in 2000. The system supplies a multifamily house with a heated area of 7000 m² in 108 apartments with heat for space heating and domestic hot water preparation. On the roof of the building 980 m² of solar collectors are mounted. The ATES operates with one doublet of wells and is located below the building. The store works as a seasonal heat store to overcome the gap between high amount of solar energy in summer and highest heat demand of residential buildings in winter. The solar system was designed to cover half of the yearly heat demand for space heating and domestic hot water preparation by solar energy. This target could be reached in 2003 with a solar fraction of 49 %. The plant is one out of eight demonstration plants that have been built within the German research programme “Solarthermie-2000” in the last eight years /1/.
    [Show full text]