Potential of thermal, electricity and hydrogen storage systems for achieving sustainable buildings

Abstract

The current global energy scarcity challenges and the urgent need to enhance building sustainability have emphasized the utilization of energy storage systems as a highly promising approach. This study assesses the energy, economic, and environmental (3E) potential of thermal, electricity and hydrogen storage systems in promoting the sustainability of buildings. To that end, several simulations have been performed for five energy storage systems: photovoltaic (PV) with batteries, PV with hydrogen storage, solar collectors with hot water storage, phase change materials (PCMs) and Trombe wall. The 3E performance of these systems is evaluated in three distinct climates, namely hot desert, Mediterranean and cold climates. The results show that employing batteries for electricity storage is more energy-efficient than using hydrogen in all considered climates. Moreover, combining solar thermal collectors and hot water storage yields excellent energy outcomes, especially in the hot desert climate, while integrating PCMs in exterior walls and roof exhibits higher energy savings (43.06–64.29%) than the Trombe wall technique (4.18–18.09%). Environmentally, all storage systems, except for the Trombe wall, are eco-friendly with carbon payback periods of around 2.21–2.51, 0.40–0.67, 0.55–0.64, and 2.80–4.04 years for PV with batteries, PV with hydrogen storage, solar collectors with hot water storage, and PCM, respectively. In economic terms, the best cost-effectiveness is achieved using PV with batteries, followed by solar collectors with hot water storage and PCMs, with discounted payback period/levelized cost of energy of about 4.98–5.48/0.035–0.039, 6.35–7.52/0.039–0.046 and 9.32–14.43 years/0.046–0.067 $/kWh, sequentially. In contrast, incorporating Trombe wall and PV with hydrogen storage reveals a low economic viability. Overall, these outcomes could help engineers and building owners get informed about the 3E benefits and disadvantages of each storage system, enabling them to select the most suitable ones.