Office building energy storage solution

An inter-office energy storage project in collaboration with the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, Building Technologies Office, and Solar Energy Technologies Office to provide foundational science enabling cost-effective pathways for optimized design and operation of hybrid thermal and electrochemical energy storage systems.

Energy storage is a cornerstone of the sustainable energy future we envision. By integrating advanced storage solutions into buildings, we can enhance energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy, and create resilient energy systems.

Energy storage systems enable buildings to manage their energy consumption more dynamically, supporting grid stability and preventing blackouts. Additionally, energy storage enhances building resilience by providing a backup power source during outages, ensuring critical operations continue uninterrupted.

Here we compare two common power storage technologies (the flow and lead-acid batteries) as part of building energy systems. While the flow battery is cheap per storage capacity (€/MWh), it suffers from low round-trip efficiency. The lead-acid battery has higher round-trip efficiency but also a somewhat higher price per storage capacity.

The capability to store energy allows building operators increased demand flexibility, an essential component of grid-integrated efficient buildings. When you can store energy, you can control the level and timing of when you use energy or return it to the grid.

Thermal energy storage involves storing excess thermal energy for later use. This can be in the form of heated water, molten salts, or other heat-retentive materials. TES systems are particularly beneficial for district heating, storing heat generated from renewable sources or waste heat and supplying it to buildings as needed.