Via EUREC Member, AEE Intec
Large-scale heat storage systems will play a central role in increasing the necessary flexibility of district heating networks and enabling the further expansion of renewable energies or the integration of waste heat in these systems. In order to overcome challenges in design, realization and operation of this technology and to enable its application in as many countries as possible, the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Program “Energy Storage” has initiated the new Annex “Large Water Heat Storage for District Heating Systems” (Annex 39). In the frame of the research work large water heat storage systems such as tank and earth basin heat storage systems are considered, but large heat storage systems with storage media such as aquifer and borehole heat storage systems are also taken into account. AEE INTEC leads the international consortium of more than 27 research institutions and industrial partners from ten countries. The Annex started in October 2020 and will run for 3 years.
The main objectives of the Annex include the definition of representative application scenarios and key performance indicators, the definition of storage concepts for selected application scenarios and the techno-economic evaluation of these concepts. In addition, the development, improvement and performance of new material test procedures and the creation of a database with suitable materials will be implemented. Numerical simulation models will be compared and recommendations for the simulation of large-scale heat storage systems will be elaborated. Last but not least, dedicated information material for relevant stakeholders – decision makers of energy suppliers and heating network operators, interest groups, cities and municipalities, etc. – will be prepared.
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