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Designing a Thermal Energy Storage Program for Electric Utilities
Abstract
Electric utilities are looking at thermal
energy storage technology as a viable demand side
management (DSM) option. In order for this
DSM measure to be effective, it must be
incorporated into a workable, well-structured
utility program. This paper describes a
methodology to design a successful thermal energy
storage program for electric utilities.
The design process is addressed beginning
with the market research phase. The research
includes information obtained from utilities having
successful thermal storage programs. In addition,
information is gathered from interviews with local
architects and engineers, air conditioning
contractors and potential thermal energy storage
customers.
From this information a marketing plan is
developed that addresses the target market,
market penetration, promotional methods,
incentive types and levels, internal and external
training requirements and optimal organizational
structure. The marketing plan also includes
various rate structures, program procedures and
evaluation techniques. In addition to the
marketing plan, several case histories are
addressed.
Citation
Niehus, T. L. (1994). Designing a Thermal Energy Storage Program for Electric Utilities. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6656.