Hybrid technologies for renewable energies and thermal energy storage (heating and cooling) and power generation – THERMOS

The THERMOS project aims to develop an innovative energy storage solution, combining thermodynamic and thermal aspects. Its main objective is to recover so-called “waste” electricity, produced in excess by renewable energies, by converting it into high-temperature heat. This heat can then be returned in various forms: thermal (heating or cooling) or electrical, offering great flexibility of use.
Operating principle :
When excess electricity is generated, a system of electric resistors heats a storage material to 1000°C. This high temperature enables a large amount of thermal energy to be stored in a small volume. To convert this thermal energy into other forms, the project relies on a thermodynamic machine operating on the Brayton air cycle. This cycle transforms heat into mechanical work, and then into electricity if required.
Planning and optimization tool :
An energy planning tool will be developed to optimize the use of the storage system. This tool will take into account forecasts for fatal electricity production as well as the site's heat, cold and electricity requirements, in order to determine the best energy storage and restitution strategy.
The four axes of the project :
- Numerical simulation: Development of a simulation model to optimize storage system operation in real time.
- Thermal storage: Development of a high-performance, cost-effective high-temperature storage material (cost target: €30/kWh).
- Thermodynamic conversion: Development of an efficient thermodynamic machine to convert heat into cold, heat and electricity.
- Laboratory pilot: Production of a small-scale prototype to validate the technological feasibility of the system (technological maturity level: TRL 4).
In summary, the THERMOS project offers a promising solution for storing surplus energy produced by renewable energies and returning it in various forms, thus contributing to better energy management and a more efficient energy transition.