4 ms·
There are potential solutions... For example, heat pumps could be required to have a reserve storage tank containing enough heat for a day or so, and then at
by pifm_guy 4y ago
There are potential solutions... For example, heat pumps could be required to have a reserve storage tank containing enough heat for a day or so, and then at times when the grid is most stressed, they use the reserve heat reservoir rather than the grid.
That could be enforced by building code, or by having a monetary incentive to those who have such a system, or a monetary penalty to those who use power on high demand days (although Texas taught us that people don't understand 'prices rise when goods are scarce', and instead see it as 'company jack's prices when I need it the most').
- jazzyjackson 4y agonever heard of a heat reservoir, what medium are we talking, water? salt?
- Schroedingersat 4y agoWater is the best option for being driven from a heat pump over a few days in most cases. Phase change materials like sodium acetate or thermochemical systems like NaOH + water seem to work well on paper for long term storage, but haven't received much attention for some reason.
- ulrikrasmussen 4y agoAs far as I understand: Water is best for heat pumps because it has a high heat capacity and the operating temperature is below boiling point. Rocks and salt is used for high temperature storage.
- nullc 4y agoWater. Cost per joule is really good so long as you have room for the large insulated tank. You can use a heat pump to bring the water up to 180 degF, a fail safe mixing valve to use it to produce 120deg water for the baths and taps, and a heat exchanger for radiant heating loops. It's much more cost effective than batteries to the extent that your energy use is driven by heating demands. If the tank is inside the building envelope the lost heat from imperfect insulation still heats the space too.