Batteries aren't the only way to store energy. Here's another.

Summary

This video explores innovative energy storage technologies designed to optimize heating, cooling, and energy use in buildings. It covers systems like ice storage air conditioning, where ice is created during off-peak hours and used for cooling, and storage heaters, which store heat during cheap energy hours for later use. The video highlights the potential of leveraging building thermal mass and oversizing HVAC systems to address energy demand and heat waves, offering hope for a more energy-efficient future with minimal energy waste. The speaker emphasizes optimism while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Takeaways

• 😀 Multi-stage and variable capacity HVAC systems offer better efficiency and temperature control compared to traditional systems.
• 😀 Air conditioning short-cycling reduces efficiency and lifespan of components, while also limiting dehumidification.
• 😀 Utilizing building's thermal mass as an energy storage source could be beneficial, especially during extreme heat waves.
• 😀 Oversizing HVAC systems might become necessary to handle the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves.
• 😀 Ice storage air conditioning involves freezing water to create ice blocks that store cooling energy for later use, reducing energy consumption.
• 😀 Ice storage systems are typically used in large commercial buildings due to their complexity and scale.
• 😀 Storage heaters, a simpler technology, use cheap electricity during off-peak hours to heat materials like bricks, which then release heat during the day.
• 😀 Storage heaters were particularly popular in Britain during the Economy 7 energy tariff period, providing cost-effective heating.
• 😀 Innovative energy storage technologies, such as ice storage and storage heaters, can reduce the need to store energy on the grid itself.
• 😀 While intermittent, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are predictable enough to help manage energy storage solutions effectively.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind using a building's thermal mass for energy storage?

The idea is to store thermal energy within the building's structure, which can then be released to help regulate indoor temperatures. This method can be used in combination with oversizing HVAC systems, allowing for more efficient energy use during extreme weather conditions like heatwaves.

How do multi-stage and variable capacity HVAC systems improve energy efficiency?

Multi-stage and variable capacity HVAC systems adjust their output based on the building's actual heating or cooling needs. This helps prevent wasteful energy use and ensures better temperature control, particularly when using thermal mass for energy storage.

Why is oversizing HVAC systems potentially beneficial in the future?

Oversizing HVAC systems may be necessary to handle extreme temperatures during heatwaves, ensuring adequate cooling and heating. Larger systems can also take advantage of building thermal mass for energy storage, making them more efficient and effective over time.

What is ice storage air conditioning and how does it work?

Ice storage air conditioning involves freezing a large volume of water during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. The ice then stores thermal energy and melts throughout the day, providing cooling to the building with minimal energy use.

Why is ice storage air conditioning typically only found in commercial buildings?

Ice storage air conditioning systems are often large and expensive to install, making them more suitable for commercial buildings where energy savings and cooling demands justify the investment.

How do storage heaters work?

Storage heaters use cheap off-peak electricity to heat materials like bricks, which store thermal energy. During the day, the heat is gradually released to warm the building, offering a cost-effective way to manage energy consumption.

What is the significance of off-peak electricity in energy storage systems like storage heaters?

Off-peak electricity is cheaper, so using it to power storage heaters allows users to store heat during times of low energy demand. This helps reduce overall electricity costs and minimizes the environmental impact of heating systems.

What are the potential advantages of using energy storage on a large scale?

Using energy storage on a large scale can help smooth out the fluctuations in energy demand, reduce grid congestion, and enable the efficient use of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

How do energy storage systems contribute to a more sustainable future?

Energy storage systems can make energy use more efficient by storing energy when it's abundant and releasing it when demand is high. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports the use of renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy grid.

What are some challenges to implementing energy storage systems at a large scale?

Challenges include the high initial cost of installation, the need for advanced technology, and the difficulty in integrating storage systems with existing infrastructure. Additionally, widespread adoption requires overcoming regulatory and market barriers.