Energy Storage Market Overview:
As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar become more prevalent, the need for energy storage systems (ESS) is becoming increasingly important. One type of ESS is thermal energy storage (TES).
Extensive study of the current market trends, the Energy Storage Market size will grow at a CAGR of CAGR of 13.24% to reach the global Revenue up to USD 5.41 billion by the end of the forecast period (2022 - 2030).
Thermal Energy Storage:
Thermal energy storage is a technology that stores thermal energy in a medium so that it can be used later to provide heating or cooling. The most common type of TES is based on the storage of sensible heat, which is the heat stored in a material due to a change in its temperature.
Thermal energy storage systems can be categorized into two types: centralized and decentralized. Centralized systems are used in large-scale applications such as district heating and cooling systems, whereas decentralized systems are used in smaller-scale applications such as residential and commercial buildings.
Applications of Thermal Energy Storage:
There are several applications for thermal energy storage. Some of the most common applications include:
Heating and Cooling: Thermal energy storage can be used to store heat or cold and then release it when needed to provide heating or cooling. This is particularly useful in buildings, where it can help to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort.
Power Generation: Thermal energy storage can be used in conjunction with power generation systems such as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. CSP plants use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, which heats a fluid that is then used to generate electricity. Thermal energy storage can be used to store the heat generated during the day so that it can be used at night or during periods of low sunlight.
Industrial Processes: Thermal energy storage can be used to store waste heat from industrial processes and then use it to provide heating or cooling.
Advantages of Thermal Energy Storage:
There are several advantages to using thermal energy storage. Some of the most significant advantages include:
Cost-effective: Thermal energy storage can help to reduce energy costs by allowing energy to be stored when it is available and then used when it is needed. This can help to reduce peak demand charges and improve the efficiency of energy systems.
Energy-efficient: Thermal energy storage can help to improve the efficiency of energy systems by reducing the need for backup systems or additional energy generation.
Environmentally friendly: Thermal energy storage can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to be used more effectively.
Reliable: Thermal energy storage can provide reliable heating or cooling, even when there is no sunlight or wind.
Electrical Energy Storage:
Electrical energy storage is another type of energy storage system that is becoming increasingly important as renewable energy sources become more prevalent. Electrical energy storage systems can store electricity in a battery or another medium so that it can be used later when it is needed.
There are several types of electrical energy storage systems, including:
Lithium-ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles and are becoming increasingly popular for stationary energy storage applications.
Flow Batteries: Flow batteries store energy in two separate electrolyte solutions that are pumped through a membrane. The energy is stored in the electrolyte solutions, which can be stored in separate tanks.
Solid-State Batteries: Solid-state batteries are a new type of battery that uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. They are still in the development phase but have the potential to offer improved safety and energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Conclusion:
Thermal energy storage and electrical energy storage are both important technologies that are helping to enable the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Thermal energy storage can help to reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of energy systems, while electrical energy storage can help to store renewable energy and make it available when it is needed.
