Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) is the seasonal storage of heat and/or cold into a portion of the underground that is generally performed using a shallow geothermal system.
Seasonal thermal energy storage (STES), also known as inter-seasonal thermal energy storage, is the storage of heat or cold for periods of up to several months. The thermal energy can be collected whenever it is available and be used whenever needed, such as in the opposing season.
What is underground thermal storage?
A more recent underground thermal storage technology, developed during the last 40-50 years, means that thermal energy is actively stored for the purpose of later extraction. So, heat is either injected for later use (heat storage) or extracted from the ground (cold storage) which is later used for cooling.
There are also combinations in which the storage is used for both short-term and seasonal storage. There are a number of such technologies summarized by the acronym UTES (Underground Thermal Energy Storage). 30 years within the framework of IEA (International Energy Agency).
Where is thermal energy stored?
So, the thermal energy is stored in the groundwater and in the matrix around it. There are usually several wells, for extraction and injection, and these are separated in order to keep the warm and cold water from mixing. ATES systems are large scale systems mainly for seasonal thermal energy storage both heating and cooling.
What is thermal energy storage?
So, heat is either injected for later use (heat storage) or extracted from the ground (cold storage) which is later used for cooling. Such thermal energy storage is mainly for long-term storage or seasonal storage of thermal energy storage. There are also combinations in which the storage is used for both short-term and seasonal storage.
The experience of USTES applications worldwide in recent years shows that most of the solar energy seasonal storage projects have significant economic, social and environmental benefits. However, the key part of solar energy storage system is underground.