A U.S. Dept. of Energy document discusses the benefits and challenges of thermal energy storage for commercial buildings.
The document explains how the various types of thermal energy storage technologies work, where their installation is most beneficial, and some practical considerations around installations. Among the benefits are:
- Can integrate with on-site renewable energyĀ
- Can function as a buffer for variable energy generationĀ
- Allows for optimal use of renewable energyĀ
- Adds resiliency for temperature control and occupant comfortĀ
- Allows for integration with other distributed energy resources
Technologies currently available include:
- Ice storage with central chillerĀ
- Ice storage in rooftop unit (RTU)Ā
- Chilled or hot water storageĀ
- Ceramic brick heating storage systemĀ
- Phase change storage for commercial refrigeration systemsĀ
- PCM ceiling panels/passive storageĀ
- Heat pump water heater (HPWH)
The document also discusses tax incentives for implementation of this technology.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Dec 9, 2015
HOK collaborates with IFMA on new workplace strategy research report
Report cites work-life balance as the top reason forĀ implementing ādistributed workā strategies.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 8, 2015
Is āgreenā still a selling point in the office sector?
Some developers are missing an opportunity by downplaying sustainability at a time when demand for such features is palpable among lessee firms who are trying to attract younger workers.
Energy Efficiency | Nov 16, 2015
Amazon will heat its new Seattle campus with waste heat from next-door data centers
Up to 4 million kilowatt-hours of energy will be saved each year. Ā
Office Buildings | Nov 6, 2015
Real Madrid to get new headquarters designed by Rafael de La-Hoz
The design of the building is made of a set of two parallelepiped-shaped volumes.Ā
Office Buildings | Nov 3, 2015
Emotional intelligence and design
In a world in which technology and its skills are constantly changing, good people skills are becoming more important, writes VOA's Angie Lee.
Office Buildings | Oct 19, 2015
10 ways to work better
Each office workplace requires a different blend of people, processes, tools, and spaces to support its employees. HDR's Allison Arnone hasĀ tips that can guide you toward the perfect balance for your company.
Office Buildings | Oct 16, 2015
#Thank you for sharing: How social media is reshaping the workplace
The rapid growth of mobile technologies threatens to push the desktop PC into extinction. When this happens, the most pertinent question for workplace designers will be what is the purpose of the desk, writes Genslerās Philip Tidd.
Office Buildings | Oct 5, 2015
Renderings revealed for Apple's second 'spaceship': a curvy, lush office complex in Sunnyvale
The project has been dubbed as another āspaceship,ā referencing the nickname for the loop-shaped Apple Campus under construction in Cupertino.Ā
High-rise Construction | Oct 5, 2015
Zaha Hadid designs cylindrical office building with worldās tallest atrium
The 200-meter-high open space will cut the building in two.
Office Buildings | Sep 28, 2015
Simplicity and angularity define Renzo Pianoās design for Kum & Goās headquarters
The new building is part of a downtown Des Moines, Iowa, redevelopment project, and is intended to echo the shapes of a nearby sculpture park.