Periodic Reporting for period 3 - MOST (Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems)
Période du rapport: 2023-03-01 au 2024-10-31
The MOST project aims to develop and demonstrate a zero-emission solar energy storage system based on benign, all-renewable materials. By doing so, the project addresses one of the most critical challenges for a future, fossil-fuel-free and zero-emission society, notably, how to store the energy. A key component of the MOST project is that the storage media is based entirely on renewable resources such as Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen and that the processes are based on scalable, green production principles. The project creates a future technology paradigm for EU where production and storage of energy are independent of imported (rare) materials resources. The project has genuine ambitions to create a solution to one major challenge for full exploitation of solar energy, namely the ability to store the captured energy and release it on demand.
The MOST system is based on a molecular system that can capture solar energy at room temperature and store the energy for very long periods of time without remarkable energy losses. This corresponds to a closed cycle of energy capture, storage and release. Further, the project will build an innovation ecosystem around the project and engage with future users of the technology in order to ensure future development and EU capacity for future market implementation.
One exciting aspect of this project is that it combines the interdisciplinary excellence of molecular design with the knowledge of hybrid collector design, development of the heat release devices and knowledge of low-ex building heating design into one coherent action.
The MOST system is based on a molecular system that can capture solar energy at room temperature and store the energy for very long periods of time without remarkable energy losses. This corresponds to a closed cycle of energy capture, storage and release. Further, the project will build an innovation ecosystem around the project and engage with future users of the technology in order to ensure future development and EU capacity for future market implementation.
One exciting aspect of this project is that it combines the interdisciplinary excellence of molecular design with the knowledge of hybrid collector design, development of the heat release devices and knowledge of low-ex building heating design into one coherent action.
The MOST project will target tangible objectives that are categorised into 5 technical objectives (TOs) and 3 non-technical objectives (NTOs). In the following, we have briefly summarised the work carried out during the reporting period towards the achievement of each listed objective.
TO1: Integration of the materials into functional devices with a solar collector of appr. 0.5 m2 enabling combined MOST and Solar Thermal Energy Capture.
Work done: Stage 1a of the device work has been designed and produced. First generation molecular systems are produced and being tested. A simulation framework is developed. and the 0.5 m2 device has been tested under real solar conditions. Related to TO1, WP3-5.
TO2: Develop MOST devices for solar energy capture, storage and release with thermal output in the 90-160ºC range.
Work done: Stage 1b of the device work has been designed and produced. First generation molecular systems are produced and being tested. Catalyst systems are being tested and functionally verified. A simulation framework is developed. Initial tests of the device has been done. Related to TO2, WP3-5.
TO3: Systems operation at >1000 energy storage cycles with the possibility to store energy for years with no insulation material.
Work done: Molecular systems are being tested under realistic operation conditions in order to understand how they work, and when/how they start degrading. Tests are ongoing, both for the solar energy storage and the catalysed back conversion. These insights will lead to design of robust systems for multiple cycle operation. The goal of 1000 cycles has been reached using simulated sunlight and thermal back conversions. Related to WP2,3,5, Milestones 3,6-8 & Deliverables D2.1-3 D3.3-4 D5.5.
TO4: Efficiency: Develop Molecular photo-switches capable of storing more than 8% of incoming sunlight.
Work done: A theoretical assessment of a library of nearly 500000 compounds have been carried out. A theoretical framework on how to reach the >8% capture efficiency has been established and published. Molecular synthesis and testing of new molecular compounds have been done.
Related to WP5 Milestones 3,6-8 & Deliverables 5.1 5.5.
TO5: Scalable and Green Materials production.
Work done: A scalable flow chemistry route for two key synthetic steps has been established and published in a scientific journal. This semi-automated system is currently being used to deliver materials for testing in the consortium. More than 100 g of the most promising MOST systems has been prepared.
Related to WP5, Milestone 3 & Deliverables 5.1-5.
NTO1 Reaching an agreed and financed development processes for the next TRL level beyond the project as well as a commercialisation strategy to attain market impact.
Work done: The project partners have organized workshops to identify and asses IP and possible future IP. The partners have ongoing dialogue with relevant industrial partners. Funding for continued work on MOST systems has been secured.
Related to WP7, Milestones 1, 2, 5, 9 & D7.1-4.
NTO2 Self-sustaining breakthrough zero-emissions energy generation capacity development and support.
Work done: An international symposium related to the MOST project has been organized, attracting more than 153 participants from Europe and rest of world (online). Related to WP6, Milestones 2,5 & Deliverables 6.3.
NTO-3 Wider Stakeholder Engagement reaching +1000 million individuals.
The project has established homepage, and social media accounts. The partners are actively engaged in outreach. Interviews about the project has been given to international media. Related to WP6 & Milestone 4.
TO1: Integration of the materials into functional devices with a solar collector of appr. 0.5 m2 enabling combined MOST and Solar Thermal Energy Capture.
Work done: Stage 1a of the device work has been designed and produced. First generation molecular systems are produced and being tested. A simulation framework is developed. and the 0.5 m2 device has been tested under real solar conditions. Related to TO1, WP3-5.
TO2: Develop MOST devices for solar energy capture, storage and release with thermal output in the 90-160ºC range.
Work done: Stage 1b of the device work has been designed and produced. First generation molecular systems are produced and being tested. Catalyst systems are being tested and functionally verified. A simulation framework is developed. Initial tests of the device has been done. Related to TO2, WP3-5.
TO3: Systems operation at >1000 energy storage cycles with the possibility to store energy for years with no insulation material.
Work done: Molecular systems are being tested under realistic operation conditions in order to understand how they work, and when/how they start degrading. Tests are ongoing, both for the solar energy storage and the catalysed back conversion. These insights will lead to design of robust systems for multiple cycle operation. The goal of 1000 cycles has been reached using simulated sunlight and thermal back conversions. Related to WP2,3,5, Milestones 3,6-8 & Deliverables D2.1-3 D3.3-4 D5.5.
TO4: Efficiency: Develop Molecular photo-switches capable of storing more than 8% of incoming sunlight.
Work done: A theoretical assessment of a library of nearly 500000 compounds have been carried out. A theoretical framework on how to reach the >8% capture efficiency has been established and published. Molecular synthesis and testing of new molecular compounds have been done.
Related to WP5 Milestones 3,6-8 & Deliverables 5.1 5.5.
TO5: Scalable and Green Materials production.
Work done: A scalable flow chemistry route for two key synthetic steps has been established and published in a scientific journal. This semi-automated system is currently being used to deliver materials for testing in the consortium. More than 100 g of the most promising MOST systems has been prepared.
Related to WP5, Milestone 3 & Deliverables 5.1-5.
NTO1 Reaching an agreed and financed development processes for the next TRL level beyond the project as well as a commercialisation strategy to attain market impact.
Work done: The project partners have organized workshops to identify and asses IP and possible future IP. The partners have ongoing dialogue with relevant industrial partners. Funding for continued work on MOST systems has been secured.
Related to WP7, Milestones 1, 2, 5, 9 & D7.1-4.
NTO2 Self-sustaining breakthrough zero-emissions energy generation capacity development and support.
Work done: An international symposium related to the MOST project has been organized, attracting more than 153 participants from Europe and rest of world (online). Related to WP6, Milestones 2,5 & Deliverables 6.3.
NTO-3 Wider Stakeholder Engagement reaching +1000 million individuals.
The project has established homepage, and social media accounts. The partners are actively engaged in outreach. Interviews about the project has been given to international media. Related to WP6 & Milestone 4.
The MOST project will develop the molecular systems as well as associated catalysts and devices to beyond state-of-the-art performance and scale. Further, the MOST systems will be combined with thermal energy storage (TES) in a hybrid concept to enable efficient and on-demand utilization of solar energy. The hybrid structure of the device, combining TES and MOST, enables the operation of the system in two different modes, targeting different applications.
Several beyond-state-of-the-art demonstrations have been made:
1) the scale of the final demonstration device are several orders of magnitude larger than any previous MOST device.
2) a combined MOST and thermo-electric generator system has been realised for the first time.
3) a combined MOST and Photovoltaic system has been realised, leading to improved performance of the PV due to improved thermal management.
4) new safer and greener solvents have been identified and tested.
Several beyond-state-of-the-art demonstrations have been made:
1) the scale of the final demonstration device are several orders of magnitude larger than any previous MOST device.
2) a combined MOST and thermo-electric generator system has been realised for the first time.
3) a combined MOST and Photovoltaic system has been realised, leading to improved performance of the PV due to improved thermal management.
4) new safer and greener solvents have been identified and tested.