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TCAAP Energy Integration Resiliency Framework 23 The temperature of the water in this loop is close to 52o F throughout the year. Assuming a thermal energy transfer of 11o F, the energy in the water per hour is estimated to be approximately 10 MMBtu/hour. This energy would be enough to meet the heating and cooling needs of the residential neighborhoods of TCAAP, with approximately 3 MMBtu/hour of excess capacity available for AHATS or additional TCAAP buildings. When groundwater remediation is completed, the district energy infrastructure could be utilized to distribute energy from other sources such as low-grade waste heat recovery or geothermal wells. 2.6. Future Potential Opportunities 2.6.1. Thermal Energy Storage On the AHATS site, there is an existing one million gallon water storage tank, and related water distribution piping, that was originally used during ammunitions manufacturing. The tank was built with adequate ground cover to prevent water from freezing in the winter. This tank could be used as a thermal energy storage tank to store water for the heating and cooling needs of the area. This would work like a battery, which would fill up during non-peak energy hours and be discharged during peak energy usage times to balance out the energy usage profile for the area. The size, shape, and structural condition of the tank need to be studied to judge the feasibility of this opportunity. It is likely that the tank would require the installation of a liner or bladder to be able to hold water. While utilization of this tank is not included in any of the immediate options detailed in this Framework, it is a valuable asset that should be contemplated as each energy option is further developed, and as TCAAP redevelopment progresses. 2.6.2. Solar Thermal Solar thermal systems are most commonly installed on residential and small commercial buildings, although larger shared systems are gaining popularity. Solar thermal systems are comprised of solar collectors and a fluid moving between the collectors and a hot water reservoir. Typically the heated fluid is pumped from the tank to a heat exchanger where heat is extracted into the air to heat space or domestic hot water. Solar thermal systems are highly efficient in their ability to capture and transfer solar energy. When included as part of a broader energy plan, benefits of a solar-thermal system can be enhanced. For example, solar thermal can be paired with thermal storage to capture excess energy when it is available and dispatch to users during higher demand periods. The MNARNG utilizes solar thermal technology on its buildings and is investigating further integration of it as their site is built out. Solar thermal is not a priority recommendation for initial implementation, but this technology should be considered for individual sites or as part of a larger energy plan as TCAAP development progresses.