The need for sustainable energy solutions is becoming increasingly important in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a reliable energy supply. One of the key technologies in achieving energy sustainability is thermal energy storage (TES). TES systems enable the storage of excess thermal energy produced during periods of low demand or high renewable energy generation, which can then be utilized during periods of high demand or low energy availability. These systems are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are intermittent by nature, into the energy grid.

This course, offered by The British Academy for Training and Development, provides a deep dive into thermal energy storage systems, covering the various types of TES technologies, their applications, and the operational and economic factors that influence their use. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how TES works, the different storage mediums used, and how these systems can be integrated into modern energy systems to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and support the transition to renewable energy sources.

Who Should Attend?

• Energy Engineers and Technicians looking to expand their knowledge of thermal energy storage technologies and their applications.
• Renewable Energy Professionals involved in the integration of renewable sources with energy storage solutions.
• Energy Policy Makers and Project Managers in charge of developing energy infrastructure and systems.
• Researchers and Academics interested in the technical and environmental aspects of energy storage solutions.
• Consultants and Technology Providers involved in the development and implementation of TES systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• The principles behind thermal energy storage and its importance in energy systems.
• Various types of TES systems, including sensible heat, latent heat, and thermochemical storage.
• The advantages, challenges, and best practices for implementing TES in both small-scale and large-scale applications.
• The role of TES in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy systems.
• Economic, environmental, and technological factors that influence the deployment of TES technologies.

• Understanding Thermal Energy Storage
  • The concept of thermal energy storage and its role in modern energy systems.
  • How TES systems store and release thermal energy for later use.
  • The integration of TES with renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
• Types of Thermal Energy Storage Systems
  • Sensible heat storage: Basics, materials, and applications.
  • Latent heat storage: Phase change materials and their role in TES.
  • Thermochemical storage: Overview of chemical reactions used to store heat.
• The Importance of TES in Energy Transition
  • Enhancing grid reliability and energy security.
  • Supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.
  • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels through energy storage.
• Principles of Sensible Heat Storage
  • The concept of storing thermal energy by changing the temperature of a material.
  • Common materials used for sensible heat storage: Water, sand, and molten salts.
  • Heat transfer and efficiency in sensible heat systems.
• Design and Operation of Sensible Heat Storage Systems
  • Design considerations for large-scale sensible heat storage systems.
  • Heat exchangers and storage tanks: Types, materials, and efficiency.
  • Challenges and limitations of sensible heat storage in practical applications.
• Applications of Sensible Heat Storage
  • Use of sensible heat in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants.
  • Residential and commercial applications of sensible heat storage.
  • Integration with district heating and cooling systems.
• Introduction to Latent Heat Storage
  • The principle of latent heat and phase change materials (PCMs).
  • How PCMs absorb and release energy during phase transitions.
  • Advantages of latent heat storage over sensible heat systems.
• Materials Used in Latent Heat Storage
  • Types of phase change materials: Organic, inorganic, and eutectic mixtures.
  • Thermal conductivity and storage capacity of different PCMs.
  • Factors affecting the selection of PCM materials for specific applications.
• Applications of Latent Heat Storage
  • Use of latent heat storage in building temperature regulation.
  • Application in solar energy systems and concentrated solar power (CSP).
  • Thermal energy storage in refrigeration and cooling systems.
• Fundamentals of Thermochemical Storage
  • The concept of storing energy through reversible chemical reactions.
  • How thermochemical reactions store and release heat.
  • The difference between thermochemical and other types of TES systems.
• Key Materials and Technologies for Thermochemical Storage
  • Materials used for thermochemical energy storage.
  • Examples of thermochemical reactions used in TES systems.
  • Advantages of thermochemical storage over other methods.
• Applications of Thermochemical Storage
  • Use in high-temperature industrial processes.
  • Potential for large-scale storage in energy grids.
  • Integration with renewable energy generation and storage systems.
• Economic and Environmental Considerations of TES
  • Cost analysis of different TES systems: Initial investment, operational costs, and maintenance.
  • Environmental benefits of TES in reducing carbon emissions.
  • The role of TES in reducing grid dependence and enhancing energy efficiency.
• Challenges in TES Deployment
  • Technical challenges in scaling TES systems for large applications.
  • Economic and logistical barriers to widespread adoption.
  • Regulatory challenges and policy frameworks for TES implementation.
• Future Trends and Innovations in TES
  • Emerging technologies and advancements in TES materials and systems.
  • The potential for integrating TES with smart grids and energy storage solutions.
  • The role of TES in achieving long-term energy sustainability goals.