SPF Institut für SolartechnikProjektleiter SPF
+41 58 257 13 39alex.hobe@ost.ch
Heat storages can assist in the rational dimensioning and operation of thermal networks. They can smooth out peak loads and eliminate the need for fossil-fuelled peak load boilers. Heat surpluses can be stored temporarily. Decentralised storage systems can relieve the load on individual sections of the grid or enable grid densification and expansion. They are also ideal for the efficient integration of decentralised heat generators. This project aims to quantify potential cost and emission savings by implementing decentralised thermal storage systems in various district heating networks. The project will provide recommendations for the dimensioning and operation of these storage systems. Additionally, an Excel user tool will be developed to assist planners in determining the impact of storage systems on power distribution and thermal network costs.
Within this project the potential of large thermal energy storages to facilitate the decarbonisation and simultaneous expansion of thermal networks are analysed. Different techniques of short-, medium- and long-term heat storage are considered. The focus is on the replacement of fossil peak load, the increased integration of waste heat, the shift of energy from summer to winter, and innovative approaches of sector coupling to balance production and demand of electricity.
The analyses are carried out on the one hand using representative generic thermal networks, and on the other hand for specific case studies of the participating industrial partners. In this way, generally valid results can be achieved, as well as a high probability to induce real pilot and demonstration projects.
Within the project Ice-Grid possible application of ice-storage tanks in low temperature thermal networks will be analyzed. In combination with other storages, ice-storage tanks can help to shift the availability of heat or cold. As latent heat can be used at 0 °C within an ice storage, this type of storage is of particular interest regarding the coverage of future cooling requirements. The integration of ice storage tanks into expanding networks with limited sources, such as low temperature waste heat, will be investigated. For analyzing the effects and comparison with state of the art components generic low temperature thermal networks are simulated, and different variants compared.
Thermocline is a cost efficient thermal storage system able to reduce capital costs of CSP up to 40 %. The objective of this project is to develop new thermocline concepts that can be applicable to different CSP plants. Detailed simulation of two thermocline concepts will be validated with the experimental data generated in this project. Based on the simulation tools, both concepts will be evaluated and optimized in terms of system integration and LCOE savings on a CSP system level and up-scaling for CSP target applications.
The SolResHC project addresses research questions related to IEA PVPS Task 16 regarding "Solar Resource for High Penetration and Large Scale Applications".
Specifically, impacts of different weather scenarios on solar heating and cooling are assessed. Simulations for various future scenarios are carried out to determine the impact of weather data on the energy efficiency of different systems providing heating, cooling, domestic hot water and partly electricity for a multi-family house.
Furthermore, the influence of large feed-in from PV and other renewable energies to the electricity grid in Switzerland is analysed with a particular focus on the electricity price.