Thermal energy storage in buildings: Opportunities and challenges

The energy sector is a majorarea that is responsible for the country development. Almost 40% of the total energy requirement of an EU country is consumed by the building sector and 60% of which is only used for heating and cooling requirements. This is a prime concern as fossil fuel stocks are depleting and global warming is rising. This is where thermal energy storage can play a major role and reduce the dependence on the use of fossil fuels for energy requirements (heating and cooling) of the building sector. Thermal energy storage refers to the technology which is related to the transfer and storage of heat energy predominantly from solar radiation, alternatively to the transfer and storage of cold from the environment to maintain a comfortable temperature for the inhabitants in the buildings by providing cold in the summer and heat in the winter. This work is an extensive study on the use of thermal energy storage in buildings. It discusses different methods of implementing thermal energy storage into buildings, specifically the use of phase change materials, and also highlights the challenges and opportunities related to implementing this technology. Moreover, this work explains the principles of different types and methods involved in thermal energy storage.