High energy density thermochemical heat storage for district heating networks – Stock-HD

The Stock-HD project aims at developing the use of renewable energies and improving the performance of district heating networks. It aims to develop a thermo-chemical heat storage system with high energy density (based on chemical sorption) at temperatures compatible with its integration in district heating networks and to study the architecture and dimensioning of its optimal integration in these networks. The developed storage system will operate as a separate circulating open reactor. It will be the seat of a chemical reaction between a salt hydrate and the humidity of the air, a highly exothermic reaction that can be reversed by supplying heat to the system. The project will tackle, in 5 distinct tasks :
- the behavior of the salt(s) without and with additives (characterization of the mechanical properties, mechanical behaviour during cycling, transport and storage phases, behavior with the addition of anti-caking agent) (by experimental characterizations) ;
- the dynamic behavior of the system (reactor, storage and auxiliaries) according to meteorological data and needs (by experimental studies and dynamic modeling);
- optimization of the system in terms of energy density, consumption of auxiliaries, grey energy (LCA), cost, sizing, dynamic control of the reactor (by simulations)...
- Integration and technico-economic optimization of the overall energy architecture in a district heating network (in networks with little inertia or in substations), smoothing strategy and integration of renewable energy sources (by numerical study).
This project will involve 3 partners: 2 research laboratories (the RAPSODEE center and the LOCIE laboratory which will coordinate the project) and an engineering and R&D firm (CMDL Manaslu Ing.). They are complementary to address all aspects of the project, from the study of the material to the development of the storage process and its optimal management to its integration into district heat networks.