A review on system performance studies of aquifer thermal energy storage. (December 2017) - Gao, Liuhua
Abstract: Underground aquifer which consists of sand/water is considered as a good candidate for thermal energy storage due to its natural availability and large storage amount. Since the concept of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) was proposed, it has been accepted and constructed by many countries. The system performance of the ATES is of great interest for researchers. This paper intends to briefly review latest studies related to thermal performance and economic and environmental of ATES systems, especially these conducted since the year of 2010. The thermal performance indicators and their definitions were given. Available simulation methods for thermal performance evaluation and their characteristics were summarized. The review indicated that the thermal recovery ratio and the thermal interference intensity are the most commonly used indicators, and suitable thermal interference intensity should be decided to cost efficiently increasing energy provided in a given area. The energy saving of ATES systems could always amount to 40-90% while the payback time is always less than 5 years.