Solar thermal energy storage has been implemented in various real-world applications, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in different sectors. Here are some notable examples of solar thermal energy storage applications:
1. Solar Thermal Power Plants with Energy Storage:
- Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project (Nevada, USA): A 110 MW solar thermal power plant with 1.1 GWh of molten salt energy storage capacity, providing continuous power supply even after sunset.
- Gemasolar Thermosolar Plant (Seville, Spain): A 19.9 MW CSP facility with 15 hours of molten salt storage capacity, delivering baseload-like power generation capabilities.
- Solana Generating Station (Arizona, USA): A 280 MW CSP plant with 6 hours of molten salt storage capacity, providing electricity during evening peak hours.
2. Solar Water Heating Systems with Thermal Storage:
- Drake Landing Solar Community (Alberta, Canada): A district heating project that combines solar thermal collectors with borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) for space heating in residential buildings.
- EnergieSprong Project (Netherlands): An energy renovation initiative that integrates solar thermal collectors with seasonal thermal storage for space heating in multi-family buildings.
3. Industrial Process Heat:
- Fresnel Solar Thermal Project at ABENGOA (Spain): An industrial solar thermal plant providing steam for industrial processes using Fresnel mirror technology and thermal storage.
- Solar Steam System at Oberlin College (Ohio, USA): A solar thermal system with thermal storage providing steam for the college's central heating plant and other heating applications.
4. Solar Desalination Plants:
- Al Khafji Solar Desalination Plant (Saudi Arabia): A solar-powered desalination plant using solar thermal energy for water desalination, with thermal storage to ensure continuous operation.
5. Hybrid Solar PV + Thermal Storage Systems:
- South Australian Virtual Power Plant (South Australia): A project that combines rooftop solar PV systems with residential battery storage to create a virtual power plant, providing grid support and backup power during peak demand periods.
6. Solar Cooling Systems:
- Sorption Chiller Solar Cooling Plant in Singapore: A solar cooling system using solar thermal energy and an absorption chiller for air conditioning in buildings.
These real-world examples demonstrate the successful integration of solar thermal energy storage in various applications, including power generation, heating, cooling, and desalination. The adoption of solar thermal energy storage continues to grow as technological advancements and cost reductions make it an attractive solution for a sustainable and reliable energy future.