Maximising Solar PV with Phase Change Thermal Energy Storage
Summary
Energy-dense PCM can offer large commercial customers with cooling and heating requirements an economic energy storage solution involving the greater use of on-site renewables to reduce peak demand and energy costs.Appropriate controls, as well as efficient PCM and rapid charging, are needed to ensure the thermal energy storage facility does not become oversized and therefore uneconomic.A new PCM was developed to enable the efficient operation of conventional refrigeration systems. To reduce storage size and cost, improved methods for charging and discharging were explored. Optimal controls were developed to forecast solar PV output, adapting the storage system to the thermal demand from the customer, while meeting contracted peak demand reduction targets.Optimising the control and operation of PCM thermal storage, combined with solar PV, has the potential to provide reliable and economic storage solutions in the refrigeration sector. The project will increase efficiencies and reduce costs for the industrial and commercial refrigeration market.Read more about renewables for industry.