Absorption Heat Storage
Absorption Heat Storage refers to systems that store thermal energy by utilizing the reversible absorption of a refrigerant (typically water or ammonia) by a solid or liquid absorbent. This mechanism allows for the storage of heat at high temperatures with minimal losses over extended periods, distinguishing it from sensible or latent heat storage methods.
Core Mechanism
The process relies on the thermodynamic cycle of absorption and desorption:
- Charging (Desorption): Heat input drives the refrigerant out of the absorbent material, storing energy in the chemical potential difference.
- Discharging (Absorption): The refrigerant re-absorbs into the material, releasing the stored heat.
Key Characteristics
- Long-term Storage: Capable of storing energy for months with negligible self-discharge, making it ideal for seasonal balancing of Renewable Energy grids.
- High Energy Density: Thermochemical variants offer higher volumetric energy density compared to water-based sensible storage.
- Temperature Flexibility: Can operate across a wide range of temperatures, suitable for both heating and cooling applications.
Recent Developments
- Season’s Technology: A notable advancement in this field is the development by the Swiss company Season, which focuses on long-term renewable energy storage with minimal loss.
- See detailed analysis in Season’s Thermochemical Heat Storage: Long-term Renewable Energy Solution.
- This technology aims to store surplus renewable energy for months, addressing intermittency issues in solar and wind power.