Assessment of Thermal Storage Technologies in Energy Sector

The paper deals with a pressing issue of intensive development of thermal energy storage. This task is especially relevant for modern and promising technologies, for example, alternative energy, electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, etc. The work considers the topical technologies of thermal energy storage systems. A detailed description of several implemented projects related to heat storage (Drake Landing Solar Community and Ice Bear) are represented. It has been shown that the main problems of development and widespread implementation of thermal energy storage are high capital and operating costs. From the brief review of the existing thermal energy projects, it was found that they mainly aimed at solving the problems of air conditioning, heating, reducing peak energy consumption, and supporting renewable energy generation. An impact of the current politics on the development of innovative technologies in the energy sector was considered. It was shown that the most significant factors affecting the R&D and scaling of thermal energy storage technologies are stimulating instruments (grants, privileges, etc.) and customs instruments.