The whole world is betting on low-cost renewable energy, so factories should as well. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) will be the game changer by enabling efficient energy storage and use. By leveraging TES, industries can store and use renewable energy efficiently, cutting emissions and costs while ensuring reliable operations. See what Entropic can do for you. Click here
The Game-Changer: Why TES is the Future
TES isn’t just another technology; it’s the best bet for industries embracing renewable energy. Here’s why:
Eliminates Waste: Captures and reuses heat that would otherwise be lost.
Boosts Sustainability: Enables 24/7 use of renewable energy.
Saves Costs: Reduces reliance on expensive on-demand energy.
Enhances Grid Stability: Acts as a buffer, smoothing out energy supply and demand.
TES turns the challenge of intermittency in renewables into a competitive advantage for industries.
Industrial Applications: TES in Action
TES transforms how industries use energy, especially in heat-intensive processes. Here are its most impactful applications:
High-Temperature Processes: Steel, cement, and chemical industries use TES to maintain consistent high heat levels, slashing fossil fuel dependency.
Waste Heat Recovery: Captures excess heat from industrial systems and repurposes it for processes like preheating or steam generation.
Renewable Energy Integration: Stores renewable energy as heat, ensuring uninterrupted industrial operations.
Energy Cost Optimization: Shifts energy use to off-peak times, significantly reducing costs.
Breaking Down TES: Types and Temperature Ranges
Thermal Energy Storage comes in three main flavors, each tailored for specific industrial needs:
1. Sensible Heat Storage
How it Works: Stores heat by increasing the temperature of materials like water, molten salts, or concrete.
Temperature Range: Up to 1500°C.
Best For: Industrial heat recovery, solar thermal applications, and district heating.
2. Latent Heat Storage
How it Works: Uses phase change materials (PCMs) to store energy during melting or solidifying.
Temperature Range: -100°C to 1000°C.
Best For: Medium-temperature industrial processes, air conditioning, and cold storage.
3. Thermochemical Storage
How it Works: Leverages reversible chemical reactions to store and release heat.
Temperature Range: 100°C to 1800°C.
Best For: High-temperature applications, seasonal storage, and hydrogen production.
Each TES type offers unique advantages, making it possible to customize solutions for a wide array of industrial processes.
Who’s Leading the TES Revolution?
To help industries adopt TES, leading suppliers are stepping up with innovative solutions. Here’s a snapshot of the top players:
Supplier | TES Type | Temperature Range | Sizing | Technology Readiness Level (TRL) |
Calmac | Latent (Ice Storage) | -10°C to 0°C | 100 kWh to 10 MWh | TRL 9 |
Sunamp | Latent (PCM) | Up to 120°C | Residential to Modular | TRL 8 |
SaltX | Thermochemical (Salt) | 200°C to 500°C | Modular | TRL 7 |
EnergyNest | Sensible (Concrete) | Up to 400°C | Industrial-scale | TRL 9 |
BrabeTech | Sensible (Molten Salt) | Up to 450°C | Industrial-scale | TRL 7 |
Azelio | Latent (Aluminum Alloy) | Up to 600°C | Modular, 13 kWh | TRL 9 |
Lumenion | Sensible (Steel Core) | Up to 650°C | Modular, 40 MWh | TRL 8 |
Echogen | Thermochemical (CO2 Cycle) | Up to 700°C | Medium to Large-scale | TRL 6 |
Stiesdal Storage | Sensible (Crushed Rocks) | Up to 800°C | Large-scale | TRL 7 |
Rondo Energy | Sensible (Brick-based) | Up to 1500°C | Industrial-scale | TRL 8 |
Steam Accumulator | Sensible (Steam) | Up to 300°C | Customizable | TRL 9 |
Antora Energy | Sensible (Solid Carbon) | Up to 1800°C | Modular | TRL 7 |
Kraftblock | Sensible (Synthetic Pellets) | Up to 1300°C | Modular | TRL 7 |
What TES solutions will fit within your factory?
Industrial leaders have a golden opportunity to turn TES into a cornerstone of their energy strategy. By adopting this technology, they can decarbonize operations, cut costs, and future-proof their business. Thermal Energy Storage isn’t just the heating solution of the future—it’s the smart solution for today. Simulating how a TES system would function in your facility and integrate with existing equipment is crucial. See how Entropic can help you and plan a meeting HERE.
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