New Research Reveals Benefits of Thermal Energy Storage

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, engaged with Western Cooling Efficiency Center at University of California, Davis, on research that shows thermal energy storage can provide significantly greater benefits to utilities and electricity grid operators than previously thought.
“This study will help utility companies and building operators optimize resource planning and energy use by capturing the full value of thermal energy storage, which uses an energy storage tank and ice to shift cooling needs to off-peak, night time hours,” says Scott Tew, from Ingersoll Rand’s Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, which co-sponsored the study.
The research project: Valuation of Thermal Energy Storage for Utility Grid Operators, demonstrated that the current method for estimating the electrical grid impact of Thermal Energy Storage systems does not fully consider the impact of energy savings that occurs during the hottest days of the year, which means that estimates are far lower than previously thought.
By basing estimates on a “10-day average baseline,” the data drastically under-estimates the impact of disconnecting the cooling system from the electric grid when temperatures outside are very hot and the grid reaches its peak load conditions. The current method under-predicts its impact on the electric grid by as much as 77%, between 38% and 57% on average, and by a minimum of 3%. The current method does not adequately account for shifts in building loads due to holidays, weekends or extreme events, when thermal energy storage can save the most energy by disconnecting cooling from the grid.
“Power consumption is forecasted to grow, yet more than 72 gigawatts of electrical generating capacity has either already retired or is set to retire,” said, Mark Modera, director of Western Cooling Efficiency Center at University of California, Davis. “These factors have created an increasing urgency for power providers to find solutions that will allow them to accommodate the growing consumption needs and peak demand requirements in the U.S.”
These findings reinforce the sustainable, financial and connected benefits of thermal energy storage and provide a new approach for utility companies to consider to better estimate the electric grid impact of Thermal Energy Storage as they plan resources and service costs.
Whole-building simulations were used to model the electric grid impact of thermal energy storage systems. The simulations were performed on three building types using five types of cooling systems in three California climate zones. Trane® TRACE 700 Load Design software simulated each building model and produced hourly cooling loads for each of the buildings. The cooling loads and ambient weather conditions were used to calculate the electric-grid impacts incurred from meeting the loads using each type of cooling system, as compared to using a thermal energy storage system.
These results will be showcased as Trane experts attend the Energy Storage Association’s (ESA) 28th Annual Conference and Expo in Boston, April 18-20, to discuss the next evolution of energy storage solutions. The full report and research findings are available for download on the Western Cooling Efficiency Center’s website.
The full report and research findings are available for download at trane.com/energystorage.
The full report and research findings are available for download on the Western Cooling Efficiency Center’s website.
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About Ingersoll Rand and Trane
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $13 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results.
Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced control. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com or www.trane.com.
About Western Cooling Efficiency Center
The Western Cooling Efficiency Center was established alongside the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center in 2007 through a grant from the California Clean Energy Fund and in partnership with California Energy Commission Public Interest Energy Research Program. The Center partners with industry stakeholders to stimulate the development of cooling technologies that can reduce energy demand, and water consumption in buildings.
The Center engages in primary research, innovation, laboratory testing, field demonstrations, education, outreach, and advocacy related to climate appropriate cooling technologies.