Energy storage systems
smartTESS
Intelligent control for industrial energy supply systems with thermal storage systems
Project duration: 01.10.2025 - 30.09.2028
The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges of our time. While great progress has already been made in decarbonising the electricity sector, the heating sector, especially process heat, is still lagging behind. The electrification of process heat in conjunction with thermal energy storage systems (TESS) offers a promising opportunity. The most favourable heat generation costs can be achieved through a combination of green in-house generation and purchase on the electricity exchange if the storage option is available. However, this requires a sophisticated operating strategy that takes into account weather forecasts, qualitative exchange price forecasts, demand profiles and the inertia behaviour of a TESS, which is a particular challenge for SMEs. In order to offer such companies an automated solution for system control, smartTESS will develop the basis for an intelligent control system for industrial energy supply systems with TESS and test its performance on the SIJ's multiTESS. smartTESS will be further developed into a fully automated operational assistance system after the successful degree of this project, offering a comprehensive solution for optimised energy consumption control for SMEs. Complex AI models will be integrated into smartTESS that constantly adapt to current conditions and take into account probable scenarios in the near future.
Project partner:
- Green Heat Solutions GmbH
miniTESS
Decarbonised process heat for small businesses
Project duration: 01.10.2025 - 30.09.2028
miniTESS is an innovative high-temperature storage system that enables small and medium-sized enterprises, e.g. bakeries, to generate their process heat cost-effectively and CO₂-free.
While the electricity sector is already making great progress in the energy transition, the heating sector continues to cause over 50 % of emissions. The provision of process heat above 100 °C in particular has been difficult to realise in a climate-neutral way to date. miniTESS uses surplus or cheaply purchased electricity from the grid or its own PV system, converts it into heat in a power-to-heat unit and stores it at around 300 °C until it can be used as required, e.g. for baking processes.
The system is based on tried and tested technology from the TESS 2.0 research project, but has been standardised specifically for smaller businesses. A container structure enables simple plug & play integration into existing production processes.
As part of the project, a prototype is being developed and trialled at the Brainergy Park Jülich at the Felix bakery, an ideal environment for visibly demonstrating the energy supply of the future.
Project partner:
- HEUFT Thermo-Oel GmbH & Co. KG
- Otto Junker Solutions GmbH
- Felix Bakery
Completed projects
BiStro
Building-integrated thermal storage for load management of electricity grids with a high proportion of renewable energy sources
Project duration: September 2013 - June 2017
As the energy transition progresses, the electricity grids are increasingly penetrated by fluctuating renewable energy sources. This creates an urgent need to provide cost-effective electricity storage systems or corresponding load management options.
As part of this project, the Solar Institute Jülich at FH Aachen, together with its research partners Viessmann, DuPont de Nemours, RWTH Aachen University and Infrawest, is investigating the option of energy storage using buildings heated by heat pumps and equipped with thermal storage capacity as an interface between the electricity and heating markets. The aim is to significantly increase the energy storage capacity with integrated latent heat storage materials. Successful implementation requires the following aspects to be taken into account: Adaptation of the low-temperature heat source, predictive control and building-side load management, thermal comfort, required and permissible temperature levels. It is determined how electricity purchase prices must be adjusted to the oversupply or undersupply so that the additional investment can be refinanced.
If the project is successfully completed, a system will be available to the market that can be used to activate a high level of negative control power (approx. 5 GW for 1 million enclosures) in a decentralised manner and provide passive storage capacity of several 100 GWh to compensate for fluctuations in renewable energy sources.
Project funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Project partners:
- Du Pont
- Infrawest
- RWTH Aachen University
- Viessmann
Fossil Free Vals
Project duration: 03/2025 - 08/2025
As part of Coca-Cola HBC's "NetZero by 40" sustainability strategy, a holistic concept for the fossil-free provision of industrial process heat is being developed at the Valser Mineralquellen production site in Switzerland. The aim is to assess various technologically feasible options in order to ensure a CO₂-neutral heat supply for the site in the long term.
The project is being carried out by the Solar Institute Jülich at FH Aachen on behalf of Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland. Various options for CO₂-free heat supply are being investigated, including electrical heat generation, heat pump technologies and the integration of storage systems. In addition to technical feasibility, economic and site-specific factors are also included in the assessment. Potential energy sources considered include clean grid electricity, own solar power, solar thermal enclosures and district heating.
By systematically analysing different scenarios, the project is making a practical contribution to the decarbonisation of the beverage industry. The knowledge gained will also serve as a transferable model for other sites within the Group.
The project analyses a specific use case for the industrial heat transition as part of the global change towards climate-friendly process heat supply.
On behalf of:
- Coca-Cola HBC Schweiz AG
Executing agency:
- Solar Institute Jülich of FH Aachen
HiTexStor
High Temperatures heat Exchange and Storage
Duration: 01.10.2010 - 31.12.2016
The idea of using sand as a storage medium for thermal energy is the basis of this project. Sand's resistance to high temperatures, high availability and low material prices make it an excellent storage material, and the aim of the project is to develop a process for transferring heat from air at temperatures of up to 700°C into sand.
In co-operation with the DLR, the properties of various sands and bulk materials were tested in laboratory trials for their suitability as a heat transfer medium and as a heat storage material. Based on this, a test facility for direct heat transfer from air to sand was designed and built. This will be used to investigate the behaviour of the sand during operation.
This heat exchanger is to be used to realise bulk heat storage in solar power plants. Another conceivable application is in industrial processes for exhaust air heat recovery.
Indiref
Indirectly solar-heated reformer for the production of methanol
Project duration: 01.12.2016 - 31.12.2019
In the "Indiref" project, a process of indirect solar-heated reforming for the production of methanol from carbon dioxide and natural gas is being further developed. The conventional production of synthesis gas, which is the starting product for many chemical products such as methanol, causes significant carbon dioxide emissions. Emissions can be greatly reduced by using concentrated solar radiation. Carbon dioxide recycling in the process further reduces emissions. In this way, the utilisation of solar energy can be extended to the chemical industry.
The focus is on the development of the reforming reactor and a modified solar receiver for this application, which can be technically realised and tested under solar conditions. In order to maximise the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the overall system, a process simulation model will be developed in parallel and validated using the test results. Based on this, a virtual upscaling of the process is carried out in order to assess the technical and economic potential for a market launch.
So far, the solar-heated reforming reactor has been developed for the production of synthesis gas. With the help of CFD simulations, the SIJ achieved a particularly effective heat transfer and synthesis gas generation for the bayonet tube reactor concept developed, on the basis of which a test reactor was constructed. The test setup was constructed as part of the project in the Synlight (DLR's artificial sun) in Jülich, where tests with artificial solar radiation are subsequently carried out. A process simulation of the solar-heated reforming plant was modelled and simulated on an industrial scale using Dymola software.
Project partner:
- German Aerospace Centre e. V.
- Hilger GmbH
- Hille & Müller GmbH
Funded by:
- Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia using ERDF funds
PWP
Cross-process heat management in production plants - the example of UPM's paper mill in Hürth
Project duration: 01.09.2011 - 30.06.2015
The aim of the project is to comprehensively increase the energy efficiency of the paper mill. The new technology required is intended to be exemplary for the entire paper industry and other branches of production. To achieve this goal, an innovative heat-water storage system patented by UPM will be integrated into the existing large-scale plant. This is intended to recover the amount of heat not previously utilised in the production process comprehensively and, if necessary, decoupled in time. In addition to saving energy, considerable savings can be expected in the fresh water and waste water sector. Furthermore, the waste water temperature can be significantly reduced. The project thus combines environmental protection with increasing the competitiveness of the production facility.
The Jülich Solar Institute at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences is carrying out the scientific analysis and optimisation calculations and is supporting the partners UPM, Pöyry and Wallstein.
Funded by:
- European Union
- Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Project partners:
- The Biofore Company
- PÖYRY
- Wallstein
StoreToPower
Electricity storage in high-temperature heat storage power plants
Project duration 01.01.2019 - 30.09.2021
How can security of supply be guaranteed without coal-fired power plants? What will happen to the power plants after the coal phase-out? How can the phase-out be organised in a socially responsible way? StoreToPower can make a significant contribution to solving these problems.
In the project, the conversion of a coal-fired power plant into a heat storage power plant is being planned. A heat storage power plant is an extended thermal power plant in which a heat storage system is connected in parallel to the classic steam generator. The heat storage system utilises electricity during low-price phases to store electrical energy in the form of sensible heat by means of an electrical heating system. Molten salt or a solid material heated by hot air can be used as the heat storage material. When electricity prices are high, the heat can be converted back into electricity using the existing infrastructure (steam cycle with turbine, condenser, generator and cooling system). This concept helps to utilise volatile electricity (increasingly in the future with the further expansion of renewables) to provide controllable and secure power. In the long term, coal firing could be completely replaced by the storage system. The aim is to develop and demonstrate CO2-free/low-carbon thermal storage power plants that enable 100% security of supply with minimal CO2 emissions for the energy transition.
The StoreToPower project will be the first of its kind in the world to test such a concept at an RWE AG power plant. The project at the Solar Institute Jülich (SIJ) is a direct successor to the I-TESS study from 2017, which was also funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The SIJ's task in the current project is to develop reference concepts for the expansion/conversion of coal-fired power plants with combined heat and power generation using high-temperature heat storage systems and their techno-economic assessment. In addition, a life cycle analysis (LCA) of the heat storage system and dynamic simulations for the electric heater will be carried out. For the economic analysis, a demand analysis for heat storage power plants in the European interconnected grid and an estimation of the market potential for heat storage power plants coupled to district heating networks will be carried out. The Institute NOWUM Energy at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences is creating future market potentials using various stochastic models and calculating the economic yield, taking into account various electricity price development scenarios based on hourly price forward curves for the next three decades. The findings will be incorporated into the planning of a pilot plant.
SWS
Power-to-heat technologies with salt storage for use in industry and in PV CSP hybrid power plants
Project start: May 2018
The industrial sector accounts for around 30 % of Germany's final energy demand. Around two thirds of this is used to generate process heat, which generally produces large amounts of waste heat. The waste heat is usually generated at a temperature level that is below the temperature required for the respective processes. The SWS project is therefore investigating a high-temperature heat pump in combination with a molten salt heat accumulator. The heat pump is used to bring waste heat to a temperature of over 500 °C and store it in the heat accumulator. The storage tank is discharged as required depending on the connected consumer.
In addition to a high-temperature heat pump, a commercial resistance heater is being investigated as a further power-to-heat (P2H) technology. This can also be used to charge a thermal storage unit. Negative electricity prices are regularly observed on the electricity exchange at times when there is a large supply of renewable electricity and the resulting surplus. With the help of the technologies analysed, this surplus electricity can be used and thus make an additional contribution to grid stability. The implementation of P2H technologies in CSP power plants (Concentrating Solar Power) is also being investigated. This is of particular interest for the NRW region, as industrial companies based here have a high market share in the manufacture of CSP components and also offer services in this area. In addition, the design of these two P2H technologies is being analysed in an innovative concept for use as a PV-CSP power plant. Here, cost-effective PV electricity will be partially stored in high-temperature heat storage units (Carnot battery) for times when there is no solar radiation and thus offered in line with demand.
To date, a market analysis of the process heat requirements for various suitable industrial sectors has been carried out for NRW. The SIJ has identified and assessed existing energy-intensive process heat producers and consumers in NRW and contacted a selection of process heat-intensive companies.
In addition, dynamic simulations of various power-to-heat systems in combination with a molten salt heat storage system for different performance classes, working media and coupling concepts have already been carried out and partially validated using the Dymola® software.
Project partner:
- TSK Flagsol
- German Aerospace Centre e. V.
Funded by:
- Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia using ERDF funds
TESS CHP
Further development and qualification of the multifunctional thermal storage unit for use in municipal electricity and heating grids
Project duration 01.11.2021 - 31.10.2024, extended until 30.11.2025
TESS KWK is the follow-up project to the TESS 2.0 research project, in which the innovative multiTESS(multifunctionalthermalenergy storage system) power-to-heat & power storage concept was developed and realised as a pilot system in a dedicated building on the Brainergy Park Jülich site.
The idea behind the thermal energy storage system is to realise the charging of the storage system by means of a new type of electrical heating system using surplus electricity from renewable energy sources. It is also possible to store surplus thermal energy from industrial processes in the multiTESS. An innovative and unique feature is not only the provision but also the storage of high-temperature heat of up to 1000 °C. The stored energy can either be used as base load-capable heat - i.e. around the clock from 50 °C to 1000 °C - or released into existing CHP enclosures to generate electricity and heat as required.
In the TESS CHP project, the multiTESS is being further developed for use in municipal electricity and heating networks and optimised and qualified for this use, taking into account operating conditions that are as realistic as possible. To this end, an extensive test operation on the existing pilot plant, a concept optimisation and a market application analysis are being carried out. At the same time, a digital twin of the entire system will be created and validated using the test results. With the digital twin, adaptation to various application scenarios can be carried out quickly and the plant behaviour can be predicted in the event of concept changes.
With the TESS CHP project, the multiTESS concept is further on the way to commercial realisation. Thanks to its decentralised and flexible energy supply, multiTESS represents a previously missing building block for securing theCO2-free supply of electricity and heat in industry and also in municipal energy supply. This sector coupling is a key technology on the way to the desired climate neutrality.
More information can be found under the following link: More about TESS KWK
Project partners:
- Dürr AG
- Kraftanlagen Energies & Services GmbH
- Otto Junker GmbH
- Stadtwerke Jülich GmbH
TESS 2.0
Thermal energy storage
Project duration 01.10.2017 - 31.10.2021
The storage of high-temperature heat with subsequent electricity generation in steam power processes is known from solar thermal power plants. In these applications, the high-temperature heat is collected by concentrating solar collectors. The idea with thermal electricity storage is to realise the charging of the storage unit using a power-to-heat concept from excess grid electricity instead of solar energy. The multiTESS(multifunctionalthermal electricitystorage system) storage concept is being developed by the Solar Institute Jülich for a decentralised and flexible electricity and heat supply. In contrast to the conventional power-to-heat approach, the heat in the multiTESS thermal electricity storage system is stored as high-temperature heat at up to 1000 °C and can therefore be partially converted back into electricity in a thermal power process. The multifunctionality of multiTESS is based on the flexible choice of heat source and sink (see Figure 1). Electric heating or waste heat can be used as heat sources. In addition to electricity, heat can also be provided at different temperature levels during storage.
In the TESS 2.0 project, the Power-to-Power&Heat utilisation chain of the multiTESS concept is being mapped for the first time in the form of a pilot plant (see Figure 2). The BMWi-funded project benefits from the expertise of industrial partners Dürr Systems AG, Kraftanlagen München GmbH and Otto Junker GmbH. The focus is on the generation and process control of 1000 °C hot air, the storage of high-temperature heat, as well as the integration of reconversion and heat extraction. The project partner Otto Junker GmbH has developed an innovative heating concept for the generation of high-temperature heat (state of the art: 750 °C). Dürr System AG was responsible for the conceptual design and construction of the equally innovative ceramic storage tank. The detailed planning of the system concept was largely realised by Kraftanlagen München GmbH. The Solar Institute Jülich is the idea generator and initiator of the project, acts as project coordinator, provides support in the concept planning and carries out the scientific investigations after completion of the enclosure.
During the tests, the operating behaviour of the individual components will be investigated and their process control optimised in the overall system. The aim of the project is to realise an innovative and primary energy-saving overall system by combining the individual components.
Further information can be found here: More
Editor
Evaluation of the Dispatchability of a Parabolic Trough Collector System with Concrete Storage
Link to the EDITOR homepage: EDITOR
Project duration: 01.10.2015 to 30.09.2018
The objective of EDITOR is to demonstrate and verify the base load capability and performance of a solar thermal system designed for continuous operation. During the project period, a system consisting of a medium-sized parabolic trough collector, concrete heat storage tank and boiler will be installed in Cyprus. The system will produce saturated steam and feed it into the steam system of a beverage manufacturer.
The parabolic trough collector uses an innovative vacuum receiver to heat a new, environmentally friendly thermal oil to over 400 degrees Celsius. An innovative new concrete heat storage system stores the heat obtained so that it can be used for the production of saturated steam at times when there is no (sufficient) direct solar radiation.
The project includes the technical activities of installation, commissioning and operation of the enclosure, as well as commercial aspects such as feasibility in terms of upscaling, identification of future customers and the accompanying communication process with the potential market.
Project partner:
- protarget AG
- Cyprus University of technology
- CADE Soluciones de Ingeniería, S. L.
- German Aerospace Centre e. V.
H2Loop
Quasi-closed-loop heliostat field control of a multi-chamber reactor for solar hydrogen production
Project start: October 2018
The aim of the project is to realise fully automated control of the process temperature in a solar chemical multi-chamber reactor using the heliostat field. For this purpose, an innovative, novel, quasi-closed control concept (H2Loop) is being developed.
An innovative model-based optimisation tool enables the predictive calculation and optimisation of the target point strategies for a multi-chamber reactor. The second innovative step is the integration of an online calibration procedure into the heliostat field control software. The real-time capable communication network represents the third innovation in the heliostat field. The fourth innovation concerns the heliostat itself. Firstly, the design of the heliostat is optimised for use with the network. In addition, customised, automated canting is made possible.
These innovations as a whole enable automated control of the multi-chamber reactor and, independently of each other, make a significant contribution to increasing performance and reducing costs in solar tower systems, which leads to improved economic efficiency in solar hydrogen production.
The SIJ has analysed and improved various existing calibration procedures as well as developing new procedures. A calibration procedure was selected that will be tested on a larger scale in the further course of the project.
Project partner:
- Hilger GmbH
- Heliokon GmbH
- German Aerospace Centre e. V.
Funded by:
- European Union - Investing in our future European Regional Development Fund
- NRW State Government - Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
- EFRE.NRW - Investment in growth and employment
I-TESS
Integration of thermal power storage into existing power plant sites
Project duration: 01.10.2015 - 31.12.2016
The transformation of the German electricity system towards renewable, fluctuating forms of generation will pose major challenges for a wide range of stakeholders in the coming decades. The I-TESS project is analysing the extent to which thermal storage systems can contribute to the demand-driven provision of electricity and heat and the stabilisation of the electricity grid. In addition to the utilisation of old power plant sites for the construction of new thermal electricity storage power plants, the integration of thermal storage into existing coal-fired power plants also plays a decisive role. The latter should drastically increase the flexibility of today's coal-fired power plants and thus make a decisive contribution to demand-orientated electricity production. In addition to technical issues, the project is also focussing on estimating investment costs and the chances of economic success.
You can find more detailed information in the project flyer. Please click here.
NEUTRON
Net-zero Energy fUture through the identification of innovative Technologies under a circulaR, sustainable, and inclusive just transitiON
Project duration: 01.06.2023 - 31.05.2025
The Neutron project aims to develop a systemic and integrative approach to the entire life cycle of energy production from renewable energy sources in the city of Kozani (Greece) and its surroundings in order to provide cost-effective energy for all. The aim is to develop a demonstration technology that will completely reduce emissions, primarily from the building sector of Kozani and additionally from economic activities, by 2030. The pilot project is based on the research and simulation of technology solutions that incorporate the principles of circular economy in the energy sector (e.g. through district heating, waste and wastewater treatment). The business model on which it is based is based on three principles:
- Prioritising the integration of renewable energy into the energy system
- Maximisation of product utilisation
- Recovery of by-products and energy from waste.
At the same time, the project demonstrates how sustainable digital technologies can be used to support energy communities and decarbonise buildings.
At the centre of the energy concept is the Green Heat Module (GHM) from Kraftanlagen Energies & Services SE. The GHM is a new type of high-temperature electrothermal energy storage system that can store energy at temperatures ranging from 750 °C to 1000 °C. It utilises high-temperature electrical air filters. It uses electric high-temperature air heaters to convert electricity from various sources into high-energy heat and store it in ceramic honeycomb bricks. The stored heat can be used to drive a range of thermodynamic cycles, including power generation by gas and steam turbines, which can provide heat and power on demand. The GHM can be fed with electricity from fluctuating renewable energy sources and surplus electricity from the public grid, and can also be loaded with biogas co-firing during periods without sufficient availability of renewable electricity. The thermal storage system acts as a compensator for the fluctuating energy supply and balances supply with demand. As the energy is stored at a high temperature, the GHM can provide electricity and thermal energy as required in conjunction with a combined heat and power (CHP) unit.
The integrated energy concept centred on the GHM therefore combines a number of unique advantages:
- Integration of renewable energy generation into the heating sector
- Energy storage function to benefit from fluctuating renewable energy generation
- Variable release of energy as electricity and heat as required
- Stabilisation of the transmission grid by buffering power peaks and generation outages
- Security of supply through the combination of several energy sources
Project partners:
- Municipality of Kozani
- ZEUS Helios Electricity Company
- AUTH: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- EYATH: Thessaloniki Water Supply and Sewerage Company
- Solar Institute Jülich, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences
- ABB Group Hellas
- Power Plants Energies & Services
- DEYAK: Municipal Water and Sewerage Company of Kozani
- DIADYMA: Solid Waste Management Body for Western Macedonia
- Ergoncell: IT-Consultants
- CERTH: Chemical Process Engineering Research Institute
Supported by:
- European Union
SmartBioFlex
Meander-shaped tubular reactor for biological methanation as chemical storage to provide flexibility options in power grids
Funding period: 01.11.2019 - 31.10.2022
The planned expansion of electricity generation from renewable energies, such as wind turbines and photovoltaic systems, coupled with a simultaneous decline in conventional power plant capacities poses a major challenge for the stability of the electricity grid and the security of energy supply. Energy supply security can only be guaranteed through the use of needs-based storage technologies and other accompanying measures.
NOWUM's main areas of work in the project:
Bio-Power-to-Gas is a type of energy storage in which microbes are used to convert hydrogen - produced by electrolysis when there is an oversupply of electricity - into methane equivalent to natural gas, which can be fed into the existing natural gas grid almost without restriction. The aim of the project is the construction and test operation of a new type of reactor design in the form of a meandering tubular reactor. This can significantly minimise both the energy required for operation and the system costs compared to conventional reactors. In addition, the flexible design means that it can be integrated into existing building facades, for example. In the project, the use of this structurally flexible and therefore decentralised technology is being tested in real operation for the first time.
The main focus of the SIJ's work in the project:
The effect of the reactor on the overarching sector-coupled energy system and its stabilisation potential with a focus on the electricity grid will be determined as a model for the Jülich region. All relevant system components are modelled and validated using test operating data. Expansion scenarios for future load and generation profiles are developed, taking into account the expansion of renewable energies, sector coupling and changed energy requirements (e.g. increased use of e-mobility), so that future operating scenarios can be simulated for selected grid areas. Potentials for transferability to other grid areas and scalability are derived.
SpOpt
Increasing the efficiency, utilisation rate, flexibility and operating time of the storage system in the Jülich solar tower
Project start: 01/07/2010 - 31/12/2013
The Jülich solar thermal test power plant (SVJ) is the first power plant of its kind in the world to be built in Germany. This project serves to improve the use of storage technology and the associated reduction in power plant operating costs. The focus of this project is to use new numerical simulation tools to increase the efficiency, degree of utilisation, flexibility and operating time of the storage system. The optimisations should result in an innovative storage system concept that is predestined for use in solar tower power plants.
Project partner:
- KBA-MetalPrint GmbH | KBA
- Kraftanlagen München GmbH | KAM
TRAKSOL
Development and qualification of solar receivers based on transparent ceramics for solar process engineering processes
Project start: March 2018
High-temperature heat from concentrating solar thermal systems is currently used commercially to produce electricity, but is also suitable for substituting fossil fuels in process engineering. There is great potential for the utilisation of solar energy in the chemical industry in particular.
The TRAKSOL project is developing a receiver concept for the application of concentrating solar technology in chemical processes. The focus is on investigating and qualifying the transparent ceramic Perlucor® developed by CeramTec with regard to its suitability for concentrating solar technology. Thanks to the possibility of heating the working media directly, the use of this ceramic promises higher efficiencies. Due to its high resistance, the ceramic can be used for a wide range of processes.
The vaporisation of sulphuric acid at around 400 °C was considered as an exemplary process. The vaporisation of sulphuric acid is the most energy-intensive part of the two-stage hybrid sulphuric acid (HyS) process, in which water is split using thermal energy and hydrogen is produced. Conventional hydrogen production processes cause high CO2 emissions. The use of solar energy can greatly reduce these emissions.
The objective of the project was adapted to the results of corrosion tests and the property profile of the ceramic: the focus of development is now on the development of a high-temperature particle receiver. The extremely hard and temperature-resistant ceramic enables direct irradiation of the particles. The thermal energy of the particles can be stored after heating and used for steam cycle processes to generate electricity or for continuous chemical processes, such as sulphuric acid evaporation.
Project partner:
- CeramTec-ETEC GmbH
- German Aerospace Centre e. V.
- Hilger GmbH
Funded by:
- European Union - Investing in our future European Regional Development Fund
- NRW State Government - Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
- EFRE.NRW - Investment in growth and employment
