In this module, I learnt about different methods of storing energy, primarily aimed at peak shaving the electrical load of renewable energy sources. These energy storage solutions range from short term: supercapacitors and flywheels, to longer-term such as pumped hydro, batteries and green hydrogen and power-to-gas.
In a group of two, we compared the feasibility of aquifer and borehole energy storage for a block of flats. My work on the borehole energy storage solution involved using the PDE toolbox in MATLAB to simulate conductive heat transfer to and from the boreholes in active heating – moving energy from the house to the ground for air-conditioning during summer followed by passive cooling in autumn. In winter, since the ground is at an elevated temperature, it can be used to heat the home followed by an equalisation of the temperature (“passive heating” during spring).
We also produced a separate report on the feasibility of using solar energy to produce either compressed or liquified hydrogen using Alkaline Water, PEM or Solid Oxide electrolysis.
