Seasonal Storage of Thermal Energy—Swedish Experience

Sweden reacted to the oil crises of the 1970s by initiating a comprehensive programme of research into, and development of, alternative energy sources. One of the problem areas in this connection is that of energy storage. This paper describes documented Swedish experience of seasonal thermal energy stores, concerned with such aspects as heat balances, heat losses, water sealing, stratification and temperature fields in heat stores and their surroundings. The paper concludes with mention of a number of design guidelines developed from Swedish R&D experience.