Innovative system to foster the integration of renewable energies in the electrical grid

Only the integration of high quantities of energy from renewable sources in the electrical grid will enable us to move towards a future de-carbonised energy system. However, this methodology presents high fluctuations: its integration requires smart technologies that allow for the efficient and flexible management, storage and supply of the energies, as well as combining the electricity and heat sectors.

A new process will combine an innovative new electric power storage system in the form of compressed heat (Compressed Heat Energy Storage - CHEST) with a Smart District Heating network creating a smart renewable energy storage system.

This system can store electric power efficiently, turn the electricity into heat, and convert low temperature heat from renewable sources into electricity. Its management system enables the heat and the electricity to be stored and distributed independently, depending on the planned uses and at a highly competitive cost.

Although the process described is based on existing technology (heat pump, thermal storage and ORC-Organic Rankine Cycle) certain technological developments that ensure its efficiency and cost competitiveness are necessary: attention will be paid to generating a smart control strategy for the system including prediction models, interaction with the electrical grid (supply and demand), interaction with the district heating network, as well as with other heat sources. It will be developed under the framework of the CHESTER initiative.

This project has been funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No. 764042.