Nov 1, 2024 · The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE has developed an underwater energy storage system that transfers the principle of pumped
May 17, 2025 · The quest for sustainable energy solutions has led to innovative approaches, and one of the most intriguing is the concept of underwater concrete spheres for storing solar
Nov 9, 2024 · Fraunhofer IEE tests spherical energy storage in California, using underwater structures to optimize renewable energy.
May 17, 2025 · Fraunhofer''s ocean spheres store renewable energy using deep-sea pressure—enough to power millions of homes annually.
May 20, 2025 · In an ambitious move that could redefine renewable energy storage, researchers at Germany''s Fraunhofer Institute are exploring the potential of submerging massive concrete
Jul 6, 2025 · The expected lifespan of each sphere is between 50 and 60 years. Compatibility with renewable energy. The system is an ideal companion to intermittent sources like wind and
Jun 14, 2024 · Emerging technologies in energy storage, such as advanced battery systems and other alternatives, can significantly benefit spherical solar energy systems. These
Dec 22, 2023 · This paper describes a new underwater pumped storage hydropower concept (U.PSH) that can store electric energy by using the high water pressure on the seabed or in
Dec 22, 2023 · This paper describes a new underwater pumped storage hydropower concept (U.PSH) that can store electric energy by using the high water pressure on the seabed or in deep lakes to accomplish the energy
May 20, 2025 · In an ambitious move that could redefine renewable energy storage, researchers at Germany''s Fraunhofer Institute are exploring the potential of submerging massive concrete spheres in the ocean to
May 1, 2023 · The water is heated in the collector and then stored in a tank whose surface is insulated. The shape of the collector and tank is an important factor in the development of
Nov 1, 2024 · The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE has developed an underwater energy storage system that transfers the principle of pumped storage power plants to the
May 17, 2025 · Fraunhofer''s ocean spheres store renewable energy using deep-sea pressure—enough to power millions of homes annually.
May 16, 2025 · The Role of StEnSea in Energy Management StEnSea''s spherical storage system is particularly suited for stabilizing electrical grids through frequency regulation support or

In this study, the collector and tank are made spherical, fixed, symmetrical and capable of tracking the sun regardless of the placement angle. Also, in an innovative idea, the solar thermal storage tank is designed as a double-walled spherical tank.
The water is heated in the collector and then stored in a tank whose surface is insulated. The shape of the collector and tank is an important factor in the development of solar thermal storage systems. In this study, the collector and tank are made spherical, fixed, symmetrical and capable of tracking the sun regardless of the placement angle.
According to Fraunhofer, StEnSea’s spherical storage is particularly well-suited for stabilizing power grids by providing frequency regulation and operating reserves.
The outer surface of the spherical tank is covered with the black paint so that this surface is used as an absorber surface to store solar energy in PCM. In fact, the tank acts as a collector and is separated from the surrounding environment by placing a transparent cover made of bent glass pieces on it.
The thermal efficiency of the present spherical solar thermal storage system is 74 %, while that is 58 %, 38.3 %, 41.7 %, and 33.8 % for the flat plate water heater , the vacuum tube including PCM , vacuum tube including nanocomposite materials (NCPCM) , and vacuum tube without using PCM , respectively.
The total energies stored in the spherical tank storage system, taking into account the energy stored in the water, PCM, and the metal wall of the tank are 44.2, 55.6, 53.5, 51, 46.7, 45.8 MJ at flow rates of 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, and 2.5 l per minute, respectively.
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