Review of Technologies and Recent Advances in Low-Temperature Sorption Thermal Storage Systems
Review of Technologies and Recent Advances in Low-Temperature Sorption Thermal Storage Systems
Abstract:
Sorption thermochemical storage systems can store thermal energy for the long-term with
minimum amount of losses. Their flexibility in working with sustainable energy sources further
increases their importance vis-à-vis high levels of pollution from carbon-based energy forms. These
storage systems can be utilized for cooling and heating purposes or shifting the peak load. This review
provides a basic understanding of the technologies and critical factors involved in the performance of
thermal energy storage (TES) systems. It is divided into four sections, namely materials for different
sorption storage systems, recent advances in the absorption cycle, system configuration, and some
prototypes and systems developed for sorption heat storage systems. Energy storage materials play a
vital role in the system design, owing to their thermal and chemical properties. Materials for sorption
storage systems are discussed in detail, with a new class of absorption materials, namely ionic liquids.
It can be a potential candidate for thermal energy storage due to its substantial thermophysical
properties which have not been utilized much. Recent developments in the absorption cycle and
integration of the same within the storage systems are summarized. In addition, open and closed
systems are discussed in the context of recent reactor designs and their critical issues. Finally, the last
section summarizes some prototypes developed for sorption heat storage systems.
