In the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, a groundbreaking study led by Matteo Ametta of the Italian National Research Council, Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE), has shed new light on the potential of sorption-based thermal energy storage (TES) systems. Published in the journal Applied Sciences, the research delves into how these systems can revolutionize the integration of renewable energy and waste heat recovery across key sectors—industry, transport, and buildings.
The study, which focuses on the thermodynamic efficiency of sorption-based TES systems, reveals that these systems could be a game-changer in the energy sector. By utilizing reversible sorbent–sorbate reactions to store and release thermal energy, these systems offer long-term storage capabilities with minimal losses. This is particularly significant given the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
Ametta and his team evaluated various working pairs under different operating conditions, finding that water-based solutions like zeolite and silica gel composites perform exceptionally well for residential and transport applications. “Water-based solutions are particularly effective in residential and transport sectors due to their stability and efficiency,” Ametta explains. “However, for industrial applications, methanol-based solutions like LiCl-silica/methanol maintain higher efficiency under extreme operating conditions.”
The research highlights that short-term storage shows higher energy efficiencies compared to long-term applications, and the choice of working pairs significantly influences performance. This finding is crucial for industries looking to optimize their energy storage solutions. “The selection of the right working pair is critical,” Ametta notes. “It can make a substantial difference in the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the TES system.”
For industrial applications, the study identifies unique challenges due to extreme operating conditions, limiting viable solutions to water-based working pairs. “Industrial settings require robust solutions that can withstand harsh conditions,” Ametta says. “Water-based pairs like zeolite SAPO 34 Tianjin or silica gel Sorbsil offer the best performance in terms of energy efficiency.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and facilitating a transition to sustainable energy practices, sorption-based TES systems could play a pivotal role in achieving global climate goals. The findings contribute to developing cost-effective and reliable solutions for energy storage and renewable integration in various applications.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study could shape future developments in thermal energy storage. By providing a comprehensive analysis of sorption-based TES systems, the research offers a roadmap for industries seeking to enhance their energy storage capabilities and reduce their carbon footprint. The study, published in Applied Sciences, underscores the potential of these innovative systems to transform the energy landscape and pave the way for a more sustainable future.