Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Tanks: Efficient & Sustainable Solutions
The purpose of thermal energy storage (TES) is to improve your energy efficiency and reduce overall cost by storing heat or cold energy produced during off-peak hours for later use. The most common TES application is known as stratification, which utilizes the properties of water in large field erected tanks. The key component of a TES tank is the internal diffuser that distributes warm water at the top of the tank and cold water at the bottom, through laminar flow, which creates a natural thermocline, a layer of water separating the two temperature zones.
During peak hours the cold water is used in the cooling system to provide greater efficiency. During off-peak hours, the warm water is sent through the cooling system recharging the spent cold water for the next use.
Our custom-engineered tanks help you harness energy efficiently, lower operating costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Precision Engineering for Thermal Energy Storage
Thermal energy storage requires specialized engineering to ensure efficient and reliable performance. At Tate Metalworks, we understand the intricacies of TES systems and address the key challenges related to diffuser design, thermal insulation, and material quality and durability.
- Diffuser Design: Our diffusers are designed for maximum efficiency to distribute flow evenly and maintain the thermocline.
- Thermal insulation: Critical to reducing heat transfer, thermal insulation maximizes energy storage efficiency and maintains temperature stratification.
- High-quality, durable materials: Typical materials are stainless steel and carbon steel.
Common TES Tank Applications and Industries
TES Tanks are becoming more prevalent as the demand for power continues to increase. New facilities are being designed to take advantage of the benefits of thermal energy storage in addition to existing facilities integrating TES tanks with their cooling systems. Industries that are investing TES tanks include:
- Data Centers
- Commercial and Industrial Buildings
- Gas Power Plants
- Airports
- Hospitals
- District Cooling and Heating Systems
- Business Centers and Campuses
Reliable Thermal Energy Storage Solutions: Tanks, Vessels & More
Our field erected API 650 storage tanks and AWWA Storage Tanks are built to your custom specifications to store and process thermal materials. These can range from as small as 60,000 gallons to over 5 million gallons.
Our most common products are API 650 storage tanks, which are are ideal for large-scale thermal energy storage. They are commonly used for storing chilled water in district cooling systems or heated water for industrial processes.
Custom Fabricated Thermal Energy Storage Solutions
Tate Metalworks specializes in creating unique, high-quality solutions for your specific TES needs. In addition to stratified TES, we also support other heat storage methods. Our solutions include:
- Stratified thermal storage tanks with two temperature zones utilizing hot and cold water
- Molten salt stored at hot temperatures used to generate steam for running a steam turbine
- Phase change materials (PCM) that capture energy phase during transitions (solid ↔ liquid or liquid ↔ gas)
- Thermochemical (TCES) energy generated during an exothermic reaction between separate products
Our Process for a Seamless Project, Start to Finish
From concept and design to construction and completion, we are with you every step of the way.
For over 50 years, Tate Metalworks has excelled in technical and heavy industrial construction, delivering projects that surpass standard requirements. Our expertise in design, welding, fabrication, project controls, and heavy-lift engineering ensures your project's success.
Tell Us About Your Project
Get started by requesting a proposal. Tell us about your project and any questions you have. We’ll set up time to have an in-depth discussion or a lunch-and-learn with your team. We strive to deliver your proposal within 2–3 weeks.
Approve the Design & Plans
In 4–5 weeks, you will have a product design in hand and project plan complete.
We’ll Deliver Your Shop-Fabricated or Field-Erected Solution
No matter how complex your project is, we are committed to delivering on time and on budget and communicating with you around every major milestone. Our in-house craftsmen and partners will handle every detail seamlessly.
We are a Trusted Advisor and Long-Term Partner for Your Company. Our Differences:
Tate partners with clients to meet their needs through quality design and construction.
We collaborate with various industries to produce steel and alloy plate structures such as industrial storage tanks, pressure vessels, stacks, silos and more.
Tate serves clients Nationwide, from our Headquarters in the Upstate of South Carolina.
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