Theoretical analysis of the potential for thermochemical heat storage under Mediterranean climate conditions: Northern Cyprus Case

Abstract

Thermal energy storage systems are gaining attention in recent years as they are now seen as one of the most promising solutions in order to increase utilisation of solar energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand in the last decade, thermochemical versions of these systems have been widely researched for ‘seasonal’ storage of solar energy as they have the potential to store heat at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time without any degradation or heat loss. In this study a theoretical analysis of the thermochemical heat storage potential in Mediterranean climate conditions is conducted. A theoretical building located in the northern part of the island of Cyprus is considered as a case study and analysis done using real building data from a site located on the west region (Morphou) of North Cyprus. The analysis results showed that the required heat storage volume to fully compensate heating demand of the building in winter (December to February) is 8 m3 whilst the time required for charging the THS material (Vermiculite-CaCl2) with 8 m2 solar air collectors is slightly more than a month ('i.e.' 35 days during May and June) An analysis of thermochemical heat storage’s economical and greenhouse gas savings compared against gas heaters, electrical heaters and air sourced heat pumps, which are the popular methods for space heating in North Cyprus, is also presented. It was found that payback period of the thermochemical heat storage is 6 years whilst total CO2 emissions savings over 25 years life is 47.9 tonnes.

Keywords

• North Cyprus
• Solar energy
• Heat load
• Thermochemical heat storage
• Theoretical analysis
• CO2 savings