Chilled water thermal energy storage without electric rate incentives or rebates

Stratified chilled water thermal energy storage (TES) is an accepted load shifting technology for chilled water plants serving large cooling loads. Much of the success experienced by TES technology in the past can be attributed to electric demand charges and to capital cost incentives offered through utility rebate programs. Concern that TES is not a "green" technology coupled with changes in the power production industry may eliminate both demand charges and rebates. If TES technology is to survive in this environment, TES systems must be equal or lower in capital cost than conventional systems, or they must generate sufficient energy and maintenance cost savings to offset any added capital cost. Using an example facility, this paper investigates the use of TES in such an environment and draws conclusions as to the sustainability of the technology.