Industrial ice storage in combination with photovoltaics

The key to energy saving by thermal energy storage

Introduction

The energy turnaround and the expansion of renewable energies are topics that are particularly relevant in industry. One innovative way to save energy and switch to renewable energy sources at the same time is to use ice storage in combination with photovoltaics. This advanced technology is already used in many industries and offers numerous benefits, including higher efficiency and better control over energy consumption. By adopting industrial ice storage, companies can not only reduce their costs, but also take an important step towards implementing the energy transition and reducing their environmental footprint.

Explanation of the individual thermal energy storage components

What are industrial ice banks? What is thermal energy storage?

Industrial ice banks are a type of energy storage used in industry to store surplus energy and release it when needed. They work on the principle of latent heat storage, where energy is stored in the form of solidifying ice and released by melting ice.

The evaporator plates are crucial for successful ice production. They are placed upright in a water tank, which can be either rectangular or round. An evaporation temperature between -4 and -10 °C is used to form the ice, which sticks to the plates, forming a static ice bank. To ensure uniform thawing, a distribution system for the warmer return water is installed on the bottom of the tank. In addition, an automatic distribution system for air circulation ensures perfect heat transfer, keeping the temperatures of the ice water low and creating intensive turbulence. This only occurs when required and ensures optimum ice production.

Maximum cooling capacity at the lowest ice water temperatures is ensured by an almost constant ice surface until the end of the cooling phase.

When energy is needed, the ice is melted. The energy storage in the form of heat is released and can be used to cool process water, production facilities or even rooms. In times of low energy demand from the grid, cooling energy is generated by a refrigeration system and fed into the ice storage. During peak times from the grid, this thermal stored energy can then be used to provide the required cooling capacity without having to restart the refrigeration unit.

Advantages of industrial ice banks

What needs to be done to accelerate thermal energy storage?

An ice storage system offers numerous advantages for companies and plants that require high cooling capacities during peak loads. This is because by using an ice storage system, smaller chillers can be used that are designed for average demand. The result: a higher cooling capacity at lower costs. This is because the ice storage enables the use of favourable electricity tariffs, which can be up to half of the normal electricity price. In addition, the base price for electricity can also be reduced because the maximum electricity peaks are limited. This cost efficiency can be crucial for companies that want to reduce their large thermal energy costs without having to sacrifice high cooling capacity.

Ice storage is a promising means of increasing energy efficiency. Due to their high efficiency, they minimise the energy losses that can occur when storing energy in other systems such as batteries. In addition, they can provide energy quickly, which is particularly important in industry. Ice storage systems are particularly durable and require little maintenance. Another advantage is that they work independently of the outside temperature, which means they can be used in cold regions. By using ice storage, energy costs can be reduced by up to 40 percent, which contributes to energy savings and cost efficiency.

Photovoltaics as renewable energy: What is it?

Photovoltaics is the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. It uses solar cells, which are made of semiconductor materials and convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaics is a sustainable energy source because it produces no harmful emissions, is inexhaustible and therefore one of the renewable technologies.

Advantages of photovoltaics

Photovoltaics is a resource-saving and environmentally friendly energy source that offers many advantages. One of the most important features is its sustainability, as it does not cause CO2 emissions. By using photovoltaics, one can become independent of fossil fuels and thus use energy at stable prices. Another advantage is the enormous flexibility of the technology - it can be used in any place with sunlight. Best of all, the running costs are very low, making the use of photovoltaics even more attractive. If you are looking for a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly source of energy, photovoltaics is a great solution and one of the green technologies.

Combination of industrial ice banks and photovoltaics

How does the combination of industrial ice banks with photovoltaics in form of solar panels work? Using favourable electricity tariffs and avoiding peak loads for cooling with ice storage?

The combination of industrial ice banks with photovoltaics offers an effective solution for using renewable energies in industry and saving energy. Feeding the electricity from the photovoltaic systems directly into the ice storage systems contributes to the sustainable coverage of demand. Especially during sunny hours, the electricity supply from the photovoltaic systems is used to form the ice inside the stainless steel tank, further reducing the energy demand. The combination of industrial ice banks with photovoltaics is an exemplary model for the effective and sustainable use of energy in industry.

In the midst of advancing technology, it is safe to say that we are moving towards energy efficiency. Photovoltaic systems are undoubtedly among the leaders of this movement. Their biggest advantage is the direct delivery of electricity, which can eliminate the loss of electricity during transport. Another innovative use is the storage of energy that can be used at night to maintain material production. This energy is stored in the ice bank tanks and used when necessary to cool processes, buildings or machinery. Integrating photovoltaic systems and ice storage in one system not only increases energy efficiency, but also reduces dependence on the normal power supply.

What are the advantages of combining industrial ice storage with photovoltaics?

Why do we need thermal energy storage?

Photovoltaics is a way to generate renewable energy by converting solar energy into electricity. When photovoltaics are combined with industrial ice storage, the advantages are as follows:

• Energy cost reduction: Photovoltaics solar energy usually generate more energy than is needed in the immediate vicinity. By combining it with thermal ice storage, this excess energy can be stored and used later for processes in plants to reduce thermal energy costs.

• Increasing energy efficiency: Industrial ice bank systems can store energy very effectively and release it later. When combined with photovoltaics solar energy, the entire energy production and use can be made more efficient.

• Sustainability: The combination of renewable energy from photovoltaics and the thermal energy storage in ice reservoirs is a sustainable solution for industry. It contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions and thus to large environmental protection as renewable energy. In addition, the use of thermal ice storage and photovoltaics can help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and thus increase security of supply in the long term.

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