Dynamic modelling of a novel TES system using TCMs and PCMs for space heating, cooling and domestic hot water

Among sensible, latent and thermochemical thermal energy storage (TES), thermochemical materials (TCMs) result to be the most promising solution to achieve EU target for 2050 of net-zero GHG emissions. Thanks to their much higher energy storage density and good heat transfer characteristics, thermochemical processes allow mid- and long-term energy storage with nearly negligible heat losses. A novel TES solution using TCMs and phase change materials (PCMs) for heating, cooling and domestic hot water is being developed and will be demonstrated within the Horizon Europe project ECHO. A TRNSYS model of the system was developed to support and optimise the realisation and testing of the prototype to be installed at the TekneHub lab of the University of Ferrara, Italy. Differently from the existing studies, the model simulated the ECHO prototype in transient mode at system scale. Experimental data from a small set-up of the TCM reactor were used to define the equations describing the charging and discharging phases of TCM, which were implemented in the reactor model, thus allowing to properly operate and optimise the other components of the system.