Ice versus battery storage; a case for integration of renewable energy in refrigeration systems of remote sites

Global inclination towards renewable energy projects, facilitates deployment of alternative energy systems in various scales. However, due to the noise in usable energy generation and fluctuations in the source availability, battery units are deemed as an integral part of any mini-grid energy generation system. Although, sharp turns in battery prices have taken place over the last few years, batteries are still one of the largest capital components of such systems. On the other hand, like many other heavy industries, mining industry is also closely interested in renewable energy generation on site because of certain environmental and financial reasons. Nonetheless, the size of feasible energy generation and attached storage units are still forcing mining companies to reconsider. In this regard, renewable energy based coolth storage systems can help mining companies to enhance the financial outcomes of mine air-conditioning projects where heavy refrigeration is demanded. This paper promotes power generation via renewable energy systems and proposes coolth/energy storage by analyzing two options. The financial impact of substituting battery storage units and downsizing the refrigeration plant size by storing the peak demand as coolth was also studied. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.