Evaluating the utility of passive thermal storage as an energy storage system on the Australian energy market

Abstract

Unlike burning fossil fuels, energy generated through wind and solar cannot be synchronised to demand. To capture surplus energy generated by renewable sources, comprehensive energy storage that can be dispatched during generation shortages is required. There is substantial research on identifying the relevant qualities for energy storage technology for a given application and on comparing existing technologies against each other. However, the literature has not adequately considered passive thermal energy storage in buildings as an energy storage option. This paper demonstrates that passive thermal energy storage in buildings should be included as another form of energy storage. We also show that the performance of passive storage can be measured using existing metrics used to evaluate conventional energy storage technologies. The current state of the art regarding the use of passive thermal energy storage in buildings is also reviewed, along with commercial opportunities in Australian energy markets.