Accelerating the Uptake of Large Thermal Energy Storages

Research Project, 2024 – 2027

Nowadays, it is broadly recognised by district heating (DH) companies that a strongly increased use of renewable heat sources can only be achieved if large thermal energy storage systems (LTES) are integrated into the DH system. Consequently, interest in LTES technologies has surged, expanding the basis for improvement and cost reduction of these technologies. Plans for LTES systems have grown in numerous European countries, including Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Austria, France, the Balkan countries, and China. Accelerated growth of the LTES sector relies on effective knowledge creation and exchange, dissemination of best practice examples, and training of experts in the field.

ES TCP’s Task 39 has focused on mapping LTES applications, establishing existing and planned project references, defining key performance indicators, characterising and testing materials for LTES, improving the quality and reliability of numerical simulation models through first round-robin tests, and generating information material on LTES possibilities for decision-makers, implementers, and developers. This framework supports the further development and deployment of LTES technologies. Moreover, new challenges emerged from the natural gas crisis in Europe, leading to increased demand for alternative solutions, especially in district heating systems. Decision-makers, system and component suppliers, planners, and designers now require better tools for design, cost and performance analysis, effective legislation, permitting, and future standards. These factors will facilitate accelerated, widespread implementation of LTES technologies worldwide, and this is where Task 45 continues from Task 39.

The work of Task 45 is divided into four subtasks.