Using ice and snow in thermal energy storage systems

Ice and snow have been used since ancient times for cooling until they were replaced by modern refrigeration in the 1950s. In recent years, however, we have seen a renewed interest in the old cooling technologies. Here, some modern large-scale snow cooling plants are described. The stored snow can be snow that is removed from city centers and roads but it is also possible to produce snow at low cost, provided that the ambient air temperature is less than −2 °C. The cooling power of snow storage is unlimited because of its constant melting temperature of 0 °C. The value of 1 ton of stored snow is €10–25 depending on the cost of electricity.