What is solar thermochemical energy storage?

Solar thermochemical energy storage has enormous potential for enabling cost-effective concentrated solar power (CSP). A thermochemical storage system based on a SrO/SrCO 3 carbonation cycle offers the ability to store and release high temperature (≈1200 °C) heat.

Is thermal energy storage a reversible conversion of solar-thermal energy to chemical energy?

Concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage has the potential for grid-scale dispatchable power generation. Thermochemical energy storage (TCES), that is, the reversible conversion of solar-thermal energy to chemical energy, has high energy density and low heat loss over long periods.

Why does solar energy need to be stored?

Solar energy must be stored to provide a continuous supply because of the intermittent and instability nature of solar energy. Thermochemical storage (TCS) is very attractive for high-temperature heat storage in the solar power generation because of its high energy density and negligible heat loss.

What is thermal energy storage?

Thermal energy storage provides a workable solution to the reduced or curtailed production when sun sets or is blocked by clouds (as in PV systems). The solar energy can be stored for hours or even days and the heat exchanged before being used to generate electricity .

Can solar energy be stored as chemical energy?

The solar energy from the solar field can be potentially stored as chemical energy, through the endothermic fuel oxidation reaction in a chemical process. Thermochemical systems commonly require higher temperatures to initiate the energy storage, but conversely provide higher temperatures on the release of that energy.

Can thermal energy be stored as chemical energy?

Thermal energy from the sun can be stored as chemical energy in a process called solar thermochemical energy storage (TCES). The thermal energy is used to drive a reversible endothermic chemical reaction, storing the energy as chemical potential.