Concrete energy storage project disadvantages

Can thermal energy storage in concrete be economically feasible?

When conducting an economic feasibility and cost analysis of thermal energy storage (TES) in concrete, various aspects need to be considered. One of the primary factors is the assessment of initial investment costs.

What is concrete energy storage?

Now it is being developed for a new purpose: cost-effective, large-scale energy storage. EPRI and storage developer Storworks Power are examining a technology that uses concrete to store energy generated by thermal power plants (fossil, nuclear, and concentrating solar ).

Why is concrete a thermal energy storage medium?

This enables it to act as a thermal energy storage medium, where excess thermal energy can be captured and released when needed to balance energy supply and demand. Concrete's thermal mass also contributes to energy efficiency in buildings by providing thermal inertia, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling loads.

What are the problems with concrete thermal storage?

One concern with concrete thermal storage is that corrosion or defects in the tubes could result in steam leaks that create cavities in the concrete. If steam pressure were to build in these cavities, the concrete blocks could potentially rupture.

Is concrete good for energy management?

Its high thermal mass allows concrete to adeptly absorb and store significant heat energy, rendering it effective for heat transfer and redistribution. Consequently, concrete proves promising for TES, offering opportunities for sustainable and efficient energy management [3, 4].

How does energy harvesting affect the durability of concrete structures?

Notably, the ability of energy harvesting itself may affect the durability of concrete structures. For example, the current in concrete (e.g., thermoelectric, pyroelectric, and piezoelectric concrete) may lead to corrosion of steel bars, and further reduce the service life of reinforced concrete structures.