Ice Bank Systems: Efficient Thermal Energy Storage for Cooling Demands

Ice Storage or Chilled Water Storage?

Which is right for the Job for the energy storage?

For any engineer or consultant in the energy industry, thermal energy storage is an essential part of modern renewable energy generation. In order to meet the ever-increasing needs for renewable Energy and decarbonize our power systems, efficient thermal ice storage solutions are being leveraged more than ever before. Thermal Ice Storage offers a viable method to cheaply store large amounts of energy over extended periods of time without the need for costly equipment – it’s a reliable solution that works when you need it most. In the following, we explain the fundamentals behind thermal ice storage mechanisms and discuss how such a technology can benefit your projects going forward.

The primary use is always to clarify wether and what proportion a division into a direct cooling circuit (with better COP) on the one hand and cooling by stored ice (with a smaller refrigeration system) on the other hand is more effective. Ice storage systems adapt very quickly to changing cooling requirements. This applies in several respects, in terms of energy consumption, energy costs, investment costs and the availability of space and electricity. Our customers are usually faced with the choice of an Ice bank silo or a Falling-Film Chiller. There is therefor no question that an Ice bank silo can be operated more efficiently in terms of energy by taking advantage of the favorable low tariff period.

This approach is just the beginning of how this technology can help improve sustainability; there is considerable potential for additional benefit that goes beyond what is currently evident. With further development and implementation, thermal ice storage can result in much larger gains to bolster a lessened footprint on our planet.

Fastest possible product cooling and energy storage with small refrigeration systems

Usually the clients attach great importance to energy saving and thermal energy storage operation. In energy studies carried out by us, we repeatedly find that an Ice bank silo as ice storage system, which is as dynamic as possible with high defrosting capacity and relatively high evaporation temperature, brings the best economic result.

In project discussions with users regarding ice energy storage in an Ice bank silo, it is always clear how important a differentiated analysis of the cooling profile and boundary conditions of the projects are in order to find the best solution for the specific user.

An Ice Bank Silo with its extremely large ice surface enables the fastest possible product cooling even with a small refrigeration system, despite extreme load peaks. The efficiency of dynamic ice production with hot gas defrosting of a Buco Ice Bank Silo is based on the avoidance of thick ice sheets on the evaporator. In comparison, the heat conduction in static storage evaporators is hindered by the ice layer. Ice grants the maximum power reserve and safety.

Thermal storage systems are an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption in buildings. There are two main types of thermal storage systems - full and partial. With a full thermal storage system, refrigeration is used to generate ice during off-peak times of the day when electrical utility rates are lowest. Ice is then stored in an Ice Bank Silo, which can be converted into cooling during on-peak utility periods. Partial thermal storage systems use a reduced size chiller or refrigeration system in conjunction with Ice Thermal Storage for peak loading needs. Both of these systems help optimize efficiency and cost reduction making them highly attractive solutions for businesses today.