Assessment of full life cycle environmental impact and energy utilization in an interseasonal solar absorption energy storage system

Abstract

In the realm of solar energy applications, the advancement of reliable and efficient energy storage systems plays a pivotal part in aligning solar energy availability with consumption requirements. Based on the principle of absorption energy storage, this study designs an interseasonal solar absorption energy storage heating system (ISAES). The system stores summer solar energy for winter indoor heating, reducing solar energy wastage during summer and achieving peak-shaving and valley-filling. This paper elaborates on the composition and working principles of the ISAES system, establishes MATLAB models of its components, and analyzes the dynamic characteristics, and performs comprehensive life cycle analyses, focusing on sustainability impacts and resource usage, grounded in the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) theory. The analysis compares the ISAES system with a gas-fired boiler (GFB) system across the stages of production, transportation, operation, and disposal. The findings indicate the system attains a storage capacity for energy of 150.78 kWh/m³ and a crystallization rate of 0.165. Compared with conventional sensible heat storage and latent heat storage, the storage density of the system is increased by 1.88 ∼ 5 times and 1.82 times, respectively. In addition, over the lifecycle, compared to the GFB system, the ISAES system reduces environmental impact by 37.87 % and energy consumption by 62.85 %. Specifically, global warming potential (GWP) decreases by 63.18 %, acidification potential (AP) by 35.2 %, and respirable particulate matter potential (REP) by 25.12 %. Furthermore, an analysis of the comprehensive benefits of both systems reveals that the ISEAS system boasts superior overall benefits.