Thermochemical thermal energy storage

As explained in the first chapter, thermal energy storage mechanisms can be classi­fied into the three main classes: sensible, latent, and thermochemical. The first two classes were discussed in detail in previous chapters, and this chapter is devoted to the introduction of the third approach, that is, thermochemical energy storage (TCES). This method has a fundamental difference from the other two and might be a little more complicated to understand and interpret in principles for those with little knowledge of chemistry and chemical reactions. On the other hand, due to the very promising features of this method for specific sorts of applications giving it high potential for future implementation in a variety of industries, it is necessary to have a good understanding of its principles, the opportunities it presents, and its limitations to be able to use it for conducting research and innovation. Therefore the current chapter elaborates on the fundamentals of TCES systems, classifications of TCES processes, and technoeconomic analysis of such systems. Then, one sec­tion describes a case study which a TCES system is defined and analyzed in detail regarding technical indices and economic performance. Finally, like the other chap­ters of this book, a short discussion of the future prospects of this method of ther­mal energy storage and its associated technologies is presented.