Evaluation of Thermal Energy Storage Potential in Low-Energy Buildings in France
Abstract
- rationalize the use of renewable energy by phasing energy demand and solar energy production, - rationalize the use of electricity by shaving the peak loads. Thermal energy storage can be accomplished either by using sensible heat storage, latent heat storage or sorption of chemical reaction. Of course, these physical phenomena lead to different energy densities that can be stored in the materials involved (kWh/m3). The objective of the paper is to present, for the case of France, the results concerning the volume of storage required in low energy buildings depending on the following parameters: - the storage criteria (inter-seasonal, 40 coldest days, load peak shaving only,...), - the physical phenomena involved in the storage/release process, - the location of the building. The software TRNSYS is used to model and to calculate the energy storage system requirements for the different parameters in a low-energy house, which has been tested. Then, sensible, latent, sorption and chemical heat storage volumes are evaluated. The conclusions concern the potential for using different technologies of thermal energy storage in France.