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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Potential energy storage from aquifer thermal energy storage

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5073845
Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) is a technology that allows energy to be stored in aquifers and retrieved when needed. With this technology, energy is transferred to and from an aquifer through a network of wells. The aquifer operates as a containment vessel that permits very little loss of stored energy. From 50% to 90% of the energy transferred to the aquifer can be recovered for use in space heating and cooling or as process heat. This paper summarizes a study conducted for the US Department of Energy's ATES Program. Pacific Northwest Laboratory conducted the study to estimate the overall potential energy savings from ATES utilization in the US. This estimate included the potential short- and long-term savings from both heating and cooling applications of ATES. The results can be used in determining the direction of research conducted on ATES, specifically whether the primary focus of research should be on heat or chill storage, and which end markets are the primary users and sources of heat or chill ATES.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5073845
Report Number(s):
PNL-SA-15441; CONF-880212-8; ON: DE88009482
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English