Thermal energy storage solUtions to optimally Manage BuildingS and Unlock their grid balancing and flexibility Potential

Project Information

THUMBS UP

Grant agreement ID: 101096921

DOI

10.3030/101096921

EC signature date 5 December 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 30 June 2027

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 7 541 715,50

EU contribution

€ 6 369 819,25

Coordinated by

VEOLIA SERVICIOS LECAM SA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - THUMBS UP (Thermal energy storage solUtions to optimally Manage BuildingS and Unlock their grid balancing and flexibility Potential)

Reporting period: 2024-05-01 to 2025-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

THUMBS UP project aims to develop and demonstrate thermal energy storage (TES) at daily (based on PCM, FractLES solutions) and weekly level (based on TCM sorption technology, SorTES solutions) solutions to be easily integrate in EU buildings (both connected and not-connected to DHN) to increase their energy efficiency as well as to exploit Power-to-Heat approaches also to make EU Buildings as grid flexibility actors. The ambition of THUMBS UP is therefore to deeply demonstrate this technology in three demosites (a single-family building and two multi-family buildings) in different EU climates and energy market contexts, also to assess THUMBS UP replication potential in up to five replication sites. Via its demonstration and replication campaign, THUMBS UP promotes the role of TES as key enabling technologies to optimise thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings as well as to promote Power-to-heat as facilitator of RES grid integration in a sector coupling approach.

To achieve such overall objective, THUMBS UP will realise and demonstrate PCM and TCM based solutions with the following key metrics:

- Size: modular solutions from 3 to 100 kWh to guarantee TES integration in different building area.
- Energy Density: target 65 kWh/m3 for short-duration TES, 120 kWh/m3 for long duration TES (4 weeks after charge) at system level.
- Competitive costs: target 140 €/kWh for short duration TES and 200 €/kWh for long duration TES.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Full dynamic models of FractLES and SorTES integrated into TRNSYS, operational SoC estimations, full modelling and validation of demonstration buildings, control strategies and use cases duly simulated.

Complete design and development of the integrated FractLES system, including PCM development, HEX plate optimisation and control system definition. System manufacturing and delivery to the validation site. The scaling up of the composite sorbent manufacturing for the SorTES was completed, a novel design of the reactor was finalized to maximize the amount of sorbent material, and a model-based SoC and SoH monitoring approach was finalized.

Completion of building preparation and engineering designs, definition and scheduling of installation and permitting activities, development of the demonstration campaign calendar, delivery and initial validation of TES prototypes, progress in BEMS development and integration.

First LCA of the pilots and complete LCA of FractLES solution, full regulatory assessment and full PESTLE Analysis, first wide survey to analyse social acceptability, identification and data gathering from the replication buildings, preliminary DHN impact simulations.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

THUMBS UP TES:
- will be compact, reliable, cost effective and easy-to-install. FractLES and SorTES systems guarantee high density (up to 65 kWh/m3 and 120 kWh/m3 respectively) and modularity. They will be tested in different climates and conditions (both connected and non-connected buildings – single family, multi family, tertiary buildings), also to facilitate building integration in DHNs. Thanks to THUMBS UP systems RES equipped buildings will also have a lower impact on both electric and thermal grid.

- will have relevant energy density that will enable the realisation of compact solutions (Modular TES “wardrobe”/thermal battery) at different scale (to be installed in flats/rooms, basement/technical rooms, horizontal/vertical distribution) and easily coupable to HP and low temperature distribution H&C solutions. It will be studied how to “pre-assembly” as much as possible the systems to minimise installation periods as comparable as boiler ones. The absence of hazardous fluids/materials will guarantee the potential installation everywhere in a building without special permits.

- will enable PtH approach at hourly/daily/weekly level, facilitating peak shifting of RES (both thermal and PV) as well as potential heat interexchange with DHN and other buildings. Aggregation of TES at building (if distributed in flats/levels) and district level, will make buildings as grid flexibility actors to maximise RES penetration and exploitation and reduce grid bothering.

- aims to realise cost competitive TES solutions targeting 140 €/kWh for FractLES/short duration TES and 200 €/kWh for SorTES/long duration TES. Thanks to THUMBS UP TES local heating system will operate at higher efficiency, local RES will be better exploited and buildings could sell heat to DHN and grid flexibility services to DSO, thus driving to a PBP lower than 8 yrs at building level.

THUMBS UP concept illustration

THUMBS UP partners along Europe

THUMBS UP overview illustration