Feasibility of underground seasonal storage of solar heat in Finland

Mateusz Janiszewski, Antoni Kopaly, Mikko Honkonen, Ilmo Kukkonen, Lauri Uotinen, Topias Siren, Mikael Rinne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

The global challenge of climate change is urging for renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the applications of renewable energy is the solar district heating plant, which uses solar heat for space heating on a community scale. Seasonal storage of solar heat is crucial in solar district heating plants as a solution to the mismatch between the energy supply and demand. This is especially important in countries located in high latitudes with high levels of solar insolation and low heating demand in the summer, and low sun insolation and high heating demand in the winter time. This study investigates the selection of the most feasible method for seasonal storage of solar heat at high latitudes. The aim is to identify the key aspects of method selection and design of underground solar heat storage. Practices of underground thermal energy storage in Finland and other countries with similar ground conditions are reviewed. Five heat storage methods are evaluated based on their efficiency, cost, construction method, and suitability for typical ground conditions in Finland. The available methods of seasonal heat storage are compared, and the most promising method for solar heat storage in Finland is proposed. In addition, the potential provided by a combination of two or more methods is examined. The borehole storage method is proposed for storing solar heat in Finland. The combined method with a rock pit used for short-term heat storage and boreholes for long term storage is also an attractive and technically feasible option for Finnish ground conditions.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on Geo-mechanics, Geo-energy and Geo-resources
Subtitle of host publicationConference Proceedings
EditorsRanjith PG, Zhao Jian
Place of PublicationMelbourne, Australia
PublisherMonash University
Pages959-965
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-9953929-0-8
Publication statusPublished - 29 Sept 2016
MoE publication typeA4 Conference publication
EventInternational Conference on Geo-mechanics, Geo-energy and Geo-resources - Melbourne, Australia
Duration: 28 Sept 201629 Sept 2016
http://www.ic3g.com/#

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Geo-mechanics, Geo-energy and Geo-resources
Abbreviated titleIC3G 2016
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne
Period28/09/201629/09/2016
Internet address

Keywords

  • Seasonal thermal energy storage
  • Solar district heating
  • Method selection
  • Finland

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