Researchers Develop Novel Framework for Thermal Energy Storage in Buildings

Strategic Insights -

Research from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology presents a significant breakthrough in the development of a novel framework for thermal energy storage (TES) systems in buildings. The researchers aim to enhance energy flexibility in building heating systems, addressing the challenges brought about by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and the transition towards a decarbonized energy sector. Funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, European Union, and Horizon Europe, the study offers an optimization-based framework for the systematic sizing and operation of TES systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed framework integrates system modelling and optimization-based sizing, leveraging historical thermal load data to accurately size TES systems.
  • The framework has been validated and evaluated through building energy simulations across three diverse building types and climatic conditions, demonstrating its ability to adapt to various scenarios.
  • Key findings show that the framework achieves operational cost reductions of up to 35% and enhances energy flexibility in terms of flexibility factor by up to 1.03.
  • The proposed framework is shown to effectively optimize TES capacities to unique building load patterns.
  • The research highlights the potential of the framework as a robust tool for optimizing TES in buildings, contributing to flexible and cost-efficient energy systems.
  • The study's applicability spans various building types and climatic conditions, making it a valuable asset for the development of efficient energy systems.

Statistics:

  • Operational cost reductions achieved by the framework: up to 35%
  • Enhanced energy flexibility in terms of flexibility factor: up to 1.03
  • Number of diverse building types evaluated: 3
  • Number of climatic conditions evaluated: multiple

Sources:

  • Flexibility-centric Sizing and Optimal Operation of Building-thermal Energy Storage Systems: a Systematic Modelling, Optimization and Validation Approach. Energy and Buildings, 2025;338.
  • Yangzhe Chen, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Architectural Engineering, S-10044 Stockholm, Sweden
  • Qian Wang and Thomas Ohlson Timoudas, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10044 Stockholm, Sweden
  • Swedish Energy Agency
  • European Union (EU)
  • Horizon Europe - Pillar II