Project Portugal 2030

Summary

Pumped thermal energy storage systems could be a key element for a successful implementation of the energy system transformation to renewable energies. Especially systems based on Rankine cycles may play an important future role, as they allow for an efficient sector coupling of heat and electricity in both directions, leading to a very smart technology for renewable energy management, storage and dispatchable supply. Addressing the issue, PTES4RES project aims at developing a cost competitive innovative system that will allow for energy management, storage and dispatchable supply of many different renewable energy sources (RES) through the combination of electricity and heat sector. The objective of the PTES4RES project is to develop a standard solution by combining High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage (HT-TES) and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) units. This goal will be achieved by combining theoretical modeling and experimental research. However, before a compatible working system can reach the market, several tests, experiments and validations have to take place. The PTES4RES project will continuously update the conceptual model of the whole energy system obtained in the previous CB4EES exploratory project. In addition, the integration of the PTES4RES system into the smart constraints of the future energy system will be evaluated based on the dynamic simulations. The simulations will provide a comprehensive performance analysis to allow the system integration in a smart environment (such as changing weather conditions, variable electricity/heat prices, electricity/heat demand profiles, fluctuations of electric and thermal RES, etc.). The main objective should be the creation of the first laboratory prototype to validate a large part of the theoretical research, such as the expected performance rates and operational strategies. It will require some modifications to the test bench to be able to simulate the boundary conditions. Furthermore, the PTES4RES system will be integrated into an intelligent energy system in order to use energy in a cost-optimal way and to provide effective flexibility services to energy operators. Finally, it is intended to develop innovative business models for the new energy storage and management concept created by the high flexibility offered by this concept and to establish a baseline for the exploitation of the CHEST system in the short to medium term to maximize the impact on the entire value chain and society.