Solar storage for process heat and building application: a review of prior assessments

Thermal energy storage is a prime candidate for use with solar thermal heat generating systems. Eighty reports on the use of thermal energy storage for solar thermal applications that provide building heating and cooling and hot water are reviewed. Thirteen reports on process heat applications of these technologies are also reviewed. The reports are systematically critiqued with regard to essential findings and the types of systems studied. Ground rules, such as application parameters and simulations, are listed. Since the report is issued as a prelude to analysis completed later in the task, the adequacy of each prior study is discussed vis-a-vis the later work.