Henner Kerskes

Thermochemical Energy Storage

Thermochemical energy storage is a new technology which provides the advantage of high storage densities and minor thermal losses. This makes the technology attractive for low-temperature long-term storage as well as for high-temperature storage. The storage mechanisms range from physical adsorption to reversible chemical reactions and, therefore, a number of storage materials are available. New materials are under development to further improve the material properties with regard to storage quantity and heat transfer. In addition, innovative storage concepts are being developed for different applications and are being tested in the laboratory or in demonstration plants. The chapter presents the state of the art of thermochemical energy storage and describes the fundamental physical phenomena. An overview of common and recent storage material is given. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the principal concepts used for long-term and high-temperature storage. Finally, selected examples demonstrate implementation of the technology.