ABSTRACT:
This project makes a detailed evaluation of thermal energy storage (TES) for meeting peak power requirements of electric utilities. TES is made a part of the steam electric generating plant, storing thermal energy from steam or hot feedwater during low demand periods and using the thermal energy to generate electricity during peak demand periods.

While the steam turbine must still be sized to deliver the utility peak power, the steam generator can be designed at less than peak power (near average power) by using TES to supply energy to match the turbine requirements. Steam generator costs can therefore be less in a steam plant with TES than in one without TES where it must deliver peak power. These reduced costs are offset by the cost of the TES system and somewhat higher fuel use because of reduced efficiency. Less expensive baseload fuels, however, can be used to produce peak power.

Over forty TES concepts gleaned from the literature and personal contacts were examined for possible application.