Matching AC loads to solar peak production using thermal energy storage in building cooling systems - A case study at Arizona State University

Abstract

This paper proposes the possibility of scaling up solar generation while shifting cooling load to the daytime. The focus is on buildings equipped with a water tank used to actively store cold water produced by a series of chillers. Water has the flexibility to be chilled and stored for later use. To lower the load demand during the peak hours of the day, the cooling loads are commonly shifted to the night hours through thermal storage. The present work studies the possibility of using solar power to meet the cooling demand by taking advantage of the fact that solar generation closely precedes the peak cooling demand. Also, in cases where solar capacity is scaled up, chiller storage tanks can store excess solar power generated, thus stabilizing the grid.