This subprogram aims to accelerate the development and optimization of next-generation thermal energy storage (TES) innovations that enable resilient, flexible, affordable, healthy, and comfortable buildings and a reliable and flexible energy system and supply.
TES refers to energy stored in a material as a heat source or a cold sink and reserved for use at a different time. Like how a battery stores energy to use when needed, TES systems can store thermal energy from hours to weeks and discharge the thermal energy directly to regulate building temperatures, while avoiding wasteful thermal/electrical energy conversions. When combined with heat pumps, TES can enhance their performance by providing a more stable thermal source, leading to better overall system efficiency. Such TES systems also help balance energy supply and demand—especially during peak demand periods or extreme weather events.
Stor4Build
Stor4Build is a multi-lab consortium focused on accelerating affordable thermal energy storage solutions for buildings.
Currently, more than 45% of electricity consumption in U.S. buildings is used to meet thermal uses like air conditioning and water heating. TES systems can improve energy reliability in our nation’s building stock, lower utility bills for American consumers and businesses, and protect people during extreme heat and cold events and improve their living environment.
The objective of the TES subprogram is to:
- Accelerate the science-to-system timeline by advancing TES solutions from early- to medium-stage development to market introduction.
- Optimize power and energy density, reduce materials and systems costs, and improve lifetime and durability, ease of installation, operation, and maintenance.
- Conduct field evaluations of novel packaged/integrated TES solutions to demonstrate and validate benefits of the new technologies.
- Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders—industry, utilities, nonprofit organizations, communities, building owners, academia, research institutions, and national laboratories.
- Support American industrial leadership through concerted efforts to drive TES innovation and facilitate market adoption
Resources
- 2024 BTO Peer Review: Thermal and Electrical Storage Strategy Overview
- Addressing energy storage needs at lower cost via on-site TES in buildings
- HVAC, Water Heating, Appliances and Refrigeration GEB Technical Report
- Windows and Opaque Envelope GEB Technical Report
- National Roadmap for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings
Workshops
- 2021 Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Buildings Workshop Presentations
- 2021 Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Buildings Workshop Report
- 2019 Workshop on Fundamental Needs for Dynamic and Interactive Thermal Storage Solutions for Buildings Report
