Analysis of novel, above-ground thermal energy storage concept utilizing low-cost, solid medium

Clean energy power plants cannot effectively match peak demands without utilizing energy storage technologies. Currently, several solutions address short term demand cycles, but little work has been done to address seasonal cycles of energy demand. This paper explores the concept of creating a large-scale, above-ground thermal energy storage system that uses inexpensive rock as the storage medium. A thermodynamic model was created to verify the technical feasibility of the proposed system, and economic factors were considered. Granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate were determined to be practical mediums. Further research is necessary to understand specific conditions and processes within the system, along with more thorough economic analysis. However, the model supports the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed thermal storage system.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Barineau, Mark Michael

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ahmed F. Ghoniem.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/69178

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/69178