Energy storage in buildings - a technology overview BG73 2018
BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) is a non-profit distributing, member-based association, that describes its mission as ‘to make buildings better...’ by enabling ‘…the building services and construction industries and their clients to enhance the value of the built environment, by improving the quality of their products and services, the efficiency of their provision and the effectiveness of their operation.’
In February 2018, BSRIA published Energy storage in buildings - a technology overview (BG73/2018), a 58-page guide written by John Piggott.
It comes at a timely moment, when the built environment is going through changes that are unprecedented in their speed and impact, with smarter and more efficient use of energy being one of the key dimensions of that change, and energy storage one of its main components.
The guide provides an illustrated overview of the options available for energy storage in buildings, for use in heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation, as well as for appliances, lighting and other equipment.
It explains the fundamental principles of energy storage and describes the main system types and forms that they take. It familiarises the reader with the science behind the different types of energy storage, although it is not intended to be a science or engineering textbook. It is aimed at designers, facilities managers and occupiers.
Case studies illustrate how different energy storage technologies have been applied in the past so that readers can appreciate some of the practicalities involved and gain an understanding of how mature different systems are. In particular, battery storage systems have received a great deal of media coverage recently, and an example of this is included.
The guide is structured into two main sections, dealing with thermal and electrical energy respectively. Subsections address the main types of technology and the applications to which they are put.
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Battery energy storage systems with grid-connected solar photovoltaics BR 514.
- Battery storage.
- BSRIA.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Creating a smarter, more flexible energy system.
- Energy harvesting.
- Energy storage.
- Energy storage - the missing piece?
- Fuel cell.
- Sustainable development: energy challenge.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.