通过减少电力需求费用，蓄热显然有利于冷却系统所有者。然而，人们普遍认为，储热的使用会增加整个冷却装置的能耗。来自美国一所大学440万加仑（16676立方米）分层冷冻水储存装置第一个完整运行季节的数据表明，设计良好且运行良好的系统实际上可以提高电厂效率。与热存储相关的能源损失被更高效的制冷机操作所抵消。有助于将分层冷却系统能耗降至最低的设计特点和操作程序- 对储水系统进行了讨论，并用来自大学系统的数据进行了说明。关键词:能耗、节能、储能、区域冷却、温度分层、冷冻水供应、冷却、美国、效率、性能、冷却器、成本、性能系数。引用:研讨会，ASHRAE Trans。1994年，第100卷，第一部分

Thermal storage clearly benefits cooling system owners by reducing electric demand charges. However, the use of thermal storage is widely believed to increase overall cooling plant energy consumption. Data from the first full season of operation of a 4.4-million-gallon (16,676-m3) stratified chilled-water storage addition at a US university demonstrates that a well-designed and operated system can actually improve plant efficiency. Energy penalties associated with thermal storage were offset by more efficient chiller operation. Design features and operational procedures that tend to minimise energy consumption in stratified chilled-water storage systems are discussed and illustrated with data from the university system.KEYWORDS: energy consumption, energy conservation, energy storage, district cooling, temperature stratification, chilled water supply, cooling, USA, efficiency, performance, chillers, costs, coefficient of performance.