Middle East

Overview

Preload Middle East’s tank solutions address the need for high-quality water storage internationally along with emerging thermal energy storage (TES) technology that has resulted from efforts to focus on energy-efficient and environmentally responsible solutions. TES has become a widely sought means for cutting energy costs for big commercial and industrial facilities. Many of the storage challenges our customers present to us today are challenges we have met throughout our many years in business. Economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and a high demand for centralized cooling are increasing the need for high-quality water storage internationally. Recognizing this opportunity, Preload Middle East, part of the Preload International family of firms, has become involved in several large-scale water storage projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Depending on the storage need, a Preload tank can be built to various height-to-diameter ratios, with flat or dome roofs, or open top, with or without aluminum geodesic domes. Preload can also incorporate the necessary conical floors and mixing equipment utilized for the treatment of biofuels.

From potable water to wastewater and TES to industrial applications including the storage of liquids at cryogenic temperatures, you can rely on Preload’s engineering and construction expertise to develop the perfect solution for your storage challenge.

Preload Middle East's large-scale water storage tanks provide unique solutions, particularly in warmer climates of the world. Various industries and governments, municipalities and the military find the above-ground or buried tanks a perfect solution for clean water storage.

Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

Thermal energy storage is an energy-saving concept that has been implemented for decades, yet it has never before seen the far-reaching potential for application that it does now. The basic mechanism behind TES is simple: chillers use electricity to cool water during evening hours instead of during the day when energy demand is at its highest. The chilled water is stored in large tanks overnight and pumped to a heat exchanger, providing cooling power for air conditioning systems.

New TES projects are encouraged by rate offsets offered by power providers as a way to regulate plant load requirements. Load regulation allows new power projects to be scaled back, reducing the cost to construct and maintain the infrastructure. Similarly, TES construction or expansion at existing plants enhances efficiency by allowing for useful generation during times when the plant would otherwise be dormant.

Large-scale developers are increasingly aware of the significant returns from rate off-setting. In this way, most district cooling projects quickly achieve a positive cash flow in addition to meeting cooling demands.

Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

In line with Preload's tradition of designing and building reliable and maintenance-free prestressed concrete tanks, thermal energy storage (TES) tanks can serve as a vital component in highly efficient cooling systems. Preload’s insulated storage tanks provide universities, hospitals, and government facilities the capability to realize hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings on energy costs and increase sustainability and overall efficiency.

The TES Concept

Thermal energy, in the form of chilled water, is produced during periods of off-peak energy rates, and stored for use during high-demand /high-cost periods. Diffusers provide for turbulence-free flows, creating a sharp transition layer, or thermocline, thus allowing for the natural stratification of the warm water (top) and chilled water (bottom) layers within the tank. Warm and chilled water enters and exits through the top and bottom of the tank through an internal diffuser piping system.

How TES Is Used

One effective method for TES systems is a full charge and discharge cycle daily. BACKUP PROTECTION – In cases where heat sensitive/critical equipment are involved additional TES may be designed to maintain charge over longer periods of time and can discharge quickly.

An efficient diffuser system helps create stratification by distributing chilled water under laminar flow, and maintains stratification by prevent mixing, heat transfer, and energy loss. In addition to the insulating provided by the concrete wall, Preload TES tanks are equipped with an external system, engineered to protect the chilled storage and maintain stratification. Preload designed and constructed octagon diffuser systems are recommended by ASHRAE/EPRI. This particular has been tested and performs 5-10% more efficiently than alternative systems.

Peak Power - As a means to encourage off-peak power usage, many utilities offer significantly reduced rates or surcharges during times of low electrical load. Fewer Chillers– The ability to store chilled water means fewer chillers are required overall to meet the daily peak. Chilling Cold – Chilling the water in the evening reduces ambient heat gain and energy loss.

As water is chilled near 4°C it is at its most dense state, which ensures the chilled water will settle to the tank bottom until discharged.

Concrete is a highly sustainable material, with a smaller overall footprint than other alternatives. Also, the inherent thermal properties of concrete make it ideal for insulating chilled water.

When prestressed, the compressive strength of concrete provides a structurally superior tank that may be partially or fully buried. This can have aesthetic value, increase usable land area, and save further by insulating, naturally.