Thermal Energy Storage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Thermal Energy Storage - Essay Example Appreciation for the advantages and benefits of the thermal energy systems has encouraged many people to use the technology to cut power costs and lessen the negative impact of non-renewable sources of energy on the environment. The low-cost and readily available materials that can serve as thermal energy storage media also inspired people more to develop and install it. Nevertheless, much has yet to be done in educating people, especially heavy consumers of electrical power, about the science and technology behind thermal energy storage. With this and their knowledge about its advantages, the optimization of the use of thermal energy through its effective storage will further persuade them to shift to renewable energy as the alternative to the diminishing and environmentally harmful energy sources, such as petroleum. Thermal energy, thermal energy storage, renewable sources of energy, solar energy, fossil fuels, law of thermodynamics, heaters, solar heating, kinetic energy, internal energy, thermal storage, thermal mass, storage media For a great number of years, mankind has been largely dependent on fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources of energy to power basic utilities. Since the 1800’s, the industries and the economies, in general, of many countries have been run by relying on petroleum. Consequently, the demand for this particular fossil fuel had increased tremendously in the following decades. Even by the latter years of the 20th century, however, problems have arisen due to the heavy reliance on petroleum. Although there were other means of producing energy introduced, these were very minimal compared to those powered by oil. Today, several countries have used nuclear power, coal-powered energy generation, and other non-renewable sources of energy such gas power as alternatives to petroleum. There are also countries that have developed renewable sources such as hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, and wind energies. However, these