Periodic Reporting for period 2 - RESTORE (Renewable Energy based seasonal Storage Technology in Order to Raise Economic and environmental sustainability of DHC)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-04-01 do 2024-09-30
The project proposes a radically innovative solution for decarbonising the heating and cooling sector, and thus promoting a solution to tackle the climate change. This solution is based on the combination of two key innovative technologies. The concept allows integrating a wide variety of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) combined with competitive seasonal storage in District Heating and Cooling (DHC) networks, enabling them to be 100% renewable to radically improve their environmental sustainability.
The first technology the project aims to develop is an innovative thermal energy storage system using heat from chemical reactions, the Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES). It provides daily and seasonal competitive energy storage due to its high energy density, very low energy losses and its low-cost. The system represents a key development due to the fact that it allows harnessing the enormous amount of energy that is normally wasted due to the mismatch between energy demand (loads) and energy generation (related to the availability of the renewable resource or waste heat), mainly occurring between seasons.
In addition, the project aims to develop a second technology, namely a reversible Heat Pump (HP) / Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and to combine it with the TCES system. This second technology adapts the energy from different Renewable Energy Sources to feed the storage system. This allows for integrating a wide variety of renewable technologies as well as waste heat into the whole system to finally supply the energy demand under the specific conditions laid down by each District Heating network.
This radically innovative solution would tackle the main barriers for a wide deployment of renewable energy technologies and waste heat in the existing and future DHC networks. The project considers the experimental validation of the RESTORE concept and also the demonstration of the concept replicability potential, adapting and optimizing the proposed solution to different real sites (different network conditions and local particularities as the available renewable technologies/waste heat) spread over the EU, and quantifying its potential benefits via Virtual Use-Cases.
The first technology the project aims to develop is an innovative thermal energy storage system using heat from chemical reactions, the Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES). It provides daily and seasonal competitive energy storage due to its high energy density, very low energy losses and its low-cost. The system represents a key development due to the fact that it allows harnessing the enormous amount of energy that is normally wasted due to the mismatch between energy demand (loads) and energy generation (related to the availability of the renewable resource or waste heat), mainly occurring between seasons.
In addition, the project aims to develop a second technology, namely a reversible Heat Pump (HP) / Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and to combine it with the TCES system. This second technology adapts the energy from different Renewable Energy Sources to feed the storage system. This allows for integrating a wide variety of renewable technologies as well as waste heat into the whole system to finally supply the energy demand under the specific conditions laid down by each District Heating network.
This radically innovative solution would tackle the main barriers for a wide deployment of renewable energy technologies and waste heat in the existing and future DHC networks. The project considers the experimental validation of the RESTORE concept and also the demonstration of the concept replicability potential, adapting and optimizing the proposed solution to different real sites (different network conditions and local particularities as the available renewable technologies/waste heat) spread over the EU, and quantifying its potential benefits via Virtual Use-Cases.
Most significant activities so far today are outlined as follows:
The requirements and specifications of the overall concept have been defined. The specification and requirements of the prototypes in the project (reversible ORC and bigger TCES reactor) has been defined as well as the specifications for the simulations which includes the numerical models and the virtual use-cases. Continuous monitoring and risk analyses have been performed to ensure the correct implementation of the project. Methodologies as well as tools and preliminary analysis for assessing the RESTORE solution, including environmental, social, and economic evaluations, have been carried out.
In the context of thermochemical storage, experimental tests have been conducted at the TU-Wien laboratories. Several thermochemical materials have been subjected to batch-type experiments under various conditions. An innovative small continuous reactor has been designed and constructed to research the energy storage system's continuous operation. An experimental campaign has been carried out with this reactor which provides relevant insights to optimize the system. A bigger reactor is under design and manufacture and will be available in the TUW facilities in the following months according to the project implementation.
Furthermore, models of the thermodynamic cycles have been developed, and several simulations have been performed to further enhance the efficiency of the RESTORE solution. This model and simulations also include development of large- and small-scale organic cycles as well as off design performance simulations. In addition, a scale-up of the organic cycles solution for small district has been designed while the solution for large district is under process.
A reversible Organic Rankine prototype, has been designed and manufactures. Then, it has been transported to POLIMI labs where it has been installed and is currently being tested.
Moreover, several models have been developed in the RESTORE library. A web platform for simulating cases online has been developed, tested and optimized. The implementation of the virtual use-cases is now under process in line with the project plan.
Concerning exploitation, updates on the exploitation strategy and definition of the Key Exploitable Results have been carried out. In addition, the technology watch document has been updated, including information such as relevant patents and technologies, trademark research scans, the state of the art, and emerging scientific breakthroughs, as well as relevant projects and potential competitors. Furthermore, the advisory board and stakeholders has been established and extended to provide guidance and relevant feedback for improving the RESTORE solution. A document analyzing the EU regulations and standards that the RESTORE system must comply with has also been produced.
Regarding D&C, updates on the D&C plan has been carried out. The RESTORE website and accounts has been continuously stimulated with the activities carried out by the partners.
The requirements and specifications of the overall concept have been defined. The specification and requirements of the prototypes in the project (reversible ORC and bigger TCES reactor) has been defined as well as the specifications for the simulations which includes the numerical models and the virtual use-cases. Continuous monitoring and risk analyses have been performed to ensure the correct implementation of the project. Methodologies as well as tools and preliminary analysis for assessing the RESTORE solution, including environmental, social, and economic evaluations, have been carried out.
In the context of thermochemical storage, experimental tests have been conducted at the TU-Wien laboratories. Several thermochemical materials have been subjected to batch-type experiments under various conditions. An innovative small continuous reactor has been designed and constructed to research the energy storage system's continuous operation. An experimental campaign has been carried out with this reactor which provides relevant insights to optimize the system. A bigger reactor is under design and manufacture and will be available in the TUW facilities in the following months according to the project implementation.
Furthermore, models of the thermodynamic cycles have been developed, and several simulations have been performed to further enhance the efficiency of the RESTORE solution. This model and simulations also include development of large- and small-scale organic cycles as well as off design performance simulations. In addition, a scale-up of the organic cycles solution for small district has been designed while the solution for large district is under process.
A reversible Organic Rankine prototype, has been designed and manufactures. Then, it has been transported to POLIMI labs where it has been installed and is currently being tested.
Moreover, several models have been developed in the RESTORE library. A web platform for simulating cases online has been developed, tested and optimized. The implementation of the virtual use-cases is now under process in line with the project plan.
Concerning exploitation, updates on the exploitation strategy and definition of the Key Exploitable Results have been carried out. In addition, the technology watch document has been updated, including information such as relevant patents and technologies, trademark research scans, the state of the art, and emerging scientific breakthroughs, as well as relevant projects and potential competitors. Furthermore, the advisory board and stakeholders has been established and extended to provide guidance and relevant feedback for improving the RESTORE solution. A document analyzing the EU regulations and standards that the RESTORE system must comply with has also been produced.
Regarding D&C, updates on the D&C plan has been carried out. The RESTORE website and accounts has been continuously stimulated with the activities carried out by the partners.
RESTORE project proposes to develop a technical solution able to overcome the current technological barriers that limit the penetration of RES in the DHC sector. Proposed technology allows to significantly increase the RES share and the reuse of energy waste from industry in DHC networks improving their competitiveness and environmental sustainability and promoting the involvement of stakeholder, consumers and industries eventually meeting the targets of the EU strategy for Heating and Cooling and the EU’s climate and energy goals.
The restore concept, named as Pumped Thermal Storage (PTS) is based on the combination of two innovative technologies: a Thermo-Chemical Energy Storage (TCES) and a non- conventional power system based on Heat Pumps and Organic Rankine Cycles (HP/ORC).
● A competitive solution for energy storage to tackle mismatch between energy demand and energy availability from renewable technologies or waste excess heat on seasonal base. RESTORE adopts high energy density TC storage which allows dispatching large amounts of thermal energy from summer to winter by means of storing solids at ambient temperature with no heat losses and low investment cost. The expected outcome is to nearly double the amount of energy provided for district heating with the same RES availability with market positive effects on equipment capacity factors and system economics.
● A combination of different RES and WEH maximizing synergies to supply the energy demand. RESTORE adopts a non-conventional power cycle based on pumped heat concept for charging and discharging the TCES able to integrate any kind of available RES (both electrical and thermal based) and WEH, limiting the waste of useful energy during hot season, and thus improving current and future DHC networks environmental sustainability, facilitating the integration of energy sources non-based on the use of-fossil fuels.
The project plans to demonstrate the technology at lab scale, carried out its assessment in environmental, economic and social aspects as well as develop a simulation platform where 6 different use cases will be implemented and simulation in order to study and analyze the impact of the RESTORE solution under several scenarios.
The restore concept, named as Pumped Thermal Storage (PTS) is based on the combination of two innovative technologies: a Thermo-Chemical Energy Storage (TCES) and a non- conventional power system based on Heat Pumps and Organic Rankine Cycles (HP/ORC).
● A competitive solution for energy storage to tackle mismatch between energy demand and energy availability from renewable technologies or waste excess heat on seasonal base. RESTORE adopts high energy density TC storage which allows dispatching large amounts of thermal energy from summer to winter by means of storing solids at ambient temperature with no heat losses and low investment cost. The expected outcome is to nearly double the amount of energy provided for district heating with the same RES availability with market positive effects on equipment capacity factors and system economics.
● A combination of different RES and WEH maximizing synergies to supply the energy demand. RESTORE adopts a non-conventional power cycle based on pumped heat concept for charging and discharging the TCES able to integrate any kind of available RES (both electrical and thermal based) and WEH, limiting the waste of useful energy during hot season, and thus improving current and future DHC networks environmental sustainability, facilitating the integration of energy sources non-based on the use of-fossil fuels.
The project plans to demonstrate the technology at lab scale, carried out its assessment in environmental, economic and social aspects as well as develop a simulation platform where 6 different use cases will be implemented and simulation in order to study and analyze the impact of the RESTORE solution under several scenarios.