PMG Engineering | Build World-Class Food Factories | Technology

Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) refers to the process of storing thermal energy for later use, typically in the form of heat or cold. The stored energy can then be used to regulate the temperature in buildings or for other industrial processes. TES systems work by storing thermal energy in a medium, such as water, ice, or solid materials, during periods of low demand and releasing it when demand is high. This allows for the efficient use of energy, as excess energy can be stored and used when needed. There are several types of TES systems, including sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical storage. Sensible heat storage involves storing heat in a material such as water or rocks, while latent heat storage involves storing heat in a material that undergoes a phase change, such as ice or paraffin wax. Thermochemical storage involves storing energy in a material that undergoes a reversible chemical reaction. TES systems are commonly used in buildings, particularly for air conditioning and heating systems. They can also be used in industrial processes, such as in the storage and transport of liquefied natural gas. TES has the potential to reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems can be used in the food industry for a variety of purposes, including food preservation, processing, and transportation. One common use of TES in the food industry is for refrigeration and cold storage. TES systems can be used to store excess cold energy during periods of low demand, such as at night when electricity rates are lower, and then release the stored energy during periods of high demand, such as during the day when refrigeration units are in use. This can help to reduce energy consumption and operating costs, while still maintaining the required temperature levels for food storage. TES systems can also be used in food processing applications, such as for blanching or pasteurization. By storing thermal energy during off-peak periods and releasing it during peak processing times, TES systems can help to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. TES systems can be used for the transportation of temperature-sensitive food products, such as perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. By storing thermal energy in a refrigerated truck or container during off-peak periods, the refrigeration unit can be powered down during transport, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of the food products. The use of TES in the food industry can help to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve food quality and safety. The working principle of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems involves storing thermal energy in a medium, such as water, ice, or solid materials, during periods of low demand and releasing it when demand is high. This allows for the efficient use of energy, as excess energy can be stored and used when needed. There are several types of TES systems, each with their own working principle. One common type is sensible heat storage, where energy is stored by changing the temperature of a material, such as water or rocks. When excess thermal energy is available, it is used to heat up the storage medium, and when heat is needed, the stored energy is released by transferring the heat to the intended application, such as a building or industrial process. Another type of TES is latent heat storage, where energy is stored by changing the phase of a material, such as from liquid to solid. For example, ice can be used as a storage medium for cooling applications. During periods of low demand, excess cooling energy is used to freeze water into ice, which is then stored. When cooling is needed, the ice is melted, absorbing heat from the intended application and providing cooling. Thermochemical storage is another type of TES, where energy is stored by changing the chemical composition of a material. For example, the chemical reaction between calcium oxide and water can be used to store energy in the form of heat. During periods of low demand, excess thermal energy is used to drive the reaction, storing the energy as calcium hydroxide. When heat is needed, the reaction is reversed, releasing the stored energy. TES systems work by storing excess thermal energy in a medium during periods of low demand, and then releasing the stored energy when needed, providing an efficient and cost-effective way to manage thermal energy.