Thermal Storage
RESPEC engineers are leading the way in developing in-ground thermal energy storage solutions. Direct-use applications make efficient, real-time use of geothermal heat; however, the ground's ability to store and retain heat has opened new opportunities for innovative, large-scale heating and cooling for campuses, large facilities, and district energy systems.
Project Spotlight
Joint Base Andrews
Working with the Navy Geothermal Program Office and Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, RESPEC produced a study titled "Cost-Effective Thermal Micro-Grids Using GABESS for High Efficiency, Low GHGs, Resiliency, and ESCO Financeability."
Thermal Storage in Baker Lake, Nunavut
Following a promising exploratory phase, RESPEC will be conducting a borehole thermal energy storage pilot project at Baker Lake to support a district heating system. This will be a first of its kind in Canada’s far northern communities.
District Heating and Cooling Feasibility Study
RESPEC conducted a feasibility study to evaluate whether a GABESS system in Vernal, Utah, would provide economic benefit to connected building owners and long-term financial sustainability for the City as Owner/Operator.
Introducing GABESS
GRID-AMPLIFIED BUILDING ENERGY SEASONAL STORAGE
GABESS is commercially ready, using proven, existing technology that can be installed and serviced by licensed contractors. The same equipment is used to heat and cool buildings efficiently:
- Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP)
- Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
- Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES)
Grid-Amplified
The grid of the future will rely on renewable sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear, with off-peak surpluses an inevitability. Using off-the-shelf equipment to amplify such surpluses, GABESS can amplify one kilowatt-hour of power into 4- to 6-kilowatt hours of stored heat or cold for later use in building climate control.
Building Energy
GABESS can revolutionize the way we heat and cool large buildings and campuses. Owner benefits include lower energy costs, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and operating costs. Unlike conventional GHP systems, GABESS performs well in extreme climate conditions, from Arizona to Alaska.
Seasonal Storage
GABESS delivers hot and cold energy to an underground BTES system. This unique and innovative approach allows excess solar power in the spring to be stored and used for building cooling in the summer or excess summertime heat to be retained until it is needed during the winter.
GABESS is a valuable step toward net-zero
Cool water is more efficient than hot air for cooling loads
400% efficient heat pumps replace 80% efficient gas heaters
Proven technologies assembled and operated innovatively
100% roundtrip efficiency (generation avoided / power stored)
GABESS creates utility value
Electric utilities achieve a large reduction in grid cost and CO2
Seasonal and diurnal electric energy storage, instead of batteries
Enables more PV and wind power on the grid with off-peak storage
Utility load control of the charging equipment maximize economic and CO2 benefits and provides grid ancillary services
Reduces gas turbine run time, fuel cost, and CO2
Winter peak is lower than current summer peak
GABESS benefits all ratepayers, so the BTES could be a utility-owned investment
GABESS operating principles
Air chillers run off-peak to create cold
Cold is stored in the ground in a BTES
Recovered cool reduces total energy and demand
Supply to large facilities or District Energy Systems
BTES can store heat instead or switch seasonally
GABESS lowers costs for all ratepayers
Reduces peak demand
Lowers summer use
Electrifies heating
Stores power from low-cost and renewable sources
Reduces grid carbon dioxide intensity
GABESS creates utility value
Electric utilities achieve a large reduction in grid cost and CO2
Seasonal and diurnal electric energy storage, instead of batteries
Enables more PV and wind power on the grid with off-peak storage
Utility load control of the charging equipment maximize economic and CO2 benefits and provides grid ancillary services
Reduces gas turbine run time, fuel cost, and CO2
Winter peak is lower than current summer peak
GABESS benefits all ratepayers, so the BTES could be a utility-owned investment