Affiliation:
1. Korea Maritime and Ocean University, South Korea
2. City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Abstract
The present chapter discusses various types of solar thermal energy storage methods in detail. The chapter includes a discussion on thermo-dynamics of sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermo-chemical energy storage. Different types of solar thermal energy storage mechanisms and their performance-affecting parameters are also presented. The chapter also presents a discussion on various materials and their properties used to store solar thermal energy in the form of sensible heat, latent heat, and thermo-chemical energy. As the economic feasibility of storage units affects the adaptability of solar thermal energy systems integrated with storage units, the economic aspect of solar thermal energy storage systems is also discussed in the chapter. The chapter ends with a discussion on the environmental impact and energy-saving potential of solar thermal energy systems integrated with storage units. The present chapter may be useful in the selection of system components for industrial applications and future research on various aspects related to solar thermal energy storage.