Optimizing Thermal Storage Control Strategies in ThumbsUp
The ThumbsUp project aims to optimize building energy consumption by integrating two thermal energy storage (TES) technologies: FractLES and SorTES. FractLES, based on phase change materials (PCM), can be used for heating, cooling, or domestic hot water (DHW), with each unit designed for a specific function. SorTES, utilizing thermochemical materials (TCM), operates in both heating and cooling modes. Both systems help reduce electricity consumption and balance heat pump demand, improving energy efficiency.
Within Work Package 1 (WP1), control strategies are being developed to integrate these storage technologies effectively. The project includes a validation building in Spain and three demonstration sites: a single-family house and two multi-family buildings in Spain and Sweden, with and without district heating networks (DHN), respectively. All four buildings have been modeled in TRNSYS, beginning with 3D geometry creation in Google SketchUp, followed by TRNBuild, where the buildings’ thermal zones, envelope properties, internal loads, infiltration rates, and operating conditions were defined. The models were then implemented in TRNSYS and validated using real monitoring data, including indoor temperature profiles, energy consumption, and photovoltaic generation, as well as energy performance certificates, achieving an average error below 5%.
The validation focused on thermal energy consumption for heating and cooling and photovoltaic energy production. A Matlab-based model was developed for FractLES to simulate charging and discharging cycles. This model was adapted for integration into TRNSYS and is now being tested in the validation building to refine control rules for heating and cooling. Meanwhile, SorTES modeling has been conducted in TRNSYS and integrated alongside FractLES in the CARTIF building. The final stage of WP1 focuses on optimizing control algorithms, considering photovoltaic surplus, heat pump electricity consumption, and building thermal demand. The goal is to strategically utilize TES to reduce peak heat pump demand, enhancing energy efficiency and flexibility in building management.
Source: BRIDGE Newsletter, European Commission (20th february 2025).
Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/etipsnet_bridge/newsletter-archives/60457
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