Analysis and Efficiency Assessment of Direct Conversion of Wind Energy Into Heat Using Electromagnetic Induction and Thermal Energy Storage

This study deals with thermodynamic analyses of an integrated wind thermal energy storage (WTES) system. The thermodynamic analyses of the proposed system are performed through energy and exergy approaches, and the energy and exergy efficiencies of the components in the system and overall system are determined and assessed. The magnitudes of irreversibilities are determined, and the impacts of different parameters on the performance of the system are identified. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the proposed system and its subsystems are computed as well. The energy and exergy efficiencies of the overall system are defined and obtained as 7.0% and 8.6%, respectively. WTES plants with combined molten salt energy storage application can run continuously, and can provide electrical power for both on-grid and off-grid systems. By converting the wind power into a permanent energy source, the WTES offers a practical solution that can meet the electrical demand of the regions where the climate conditions are feasible for consistent, environmentally benign and cost-effective electric power, and it can be considered as a potential energy solution.