TEXEL - Thermal Storage of Renewable Energy

Purpose and goal

The purpose and goal of the project were to design, build and evaluate a new heat transfer system for interconnecting the storage technology in TEXEL´s energy storage with the Stirling engine so that the stored energy is transferred to the engine that generates electricity. Through this project, TEXEL has had the opportunity to develop several different new alternatives for heat transfer and has, by using computer simulations and physical tests, taken a major step towards a complete proof-of-concept containing the new heat transfer technology.

Expected results and effects

The development of an optimal heat transfer system is crucial for the technology and the competitiveness of the product. Through this project TEXEL has, together with partners with expertise and competence in this field, been able to study several new alternatives for heat transfer and several heat transfer medias. Simulations and tests were performed which has given the company more knowledge and experience and has brought the development forward towards a complete system. Onwards, TEXEL is planning to continue the development of the heat transfer system with the generated design.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was divided into four different work packages for development and design of the heat transfer system. The project started with a feasibility study where alternatives for heat transfer were studied. During the following work packages, the concepts were developed and several simulations were performed to examine the potential of the concepts, also with further iterations. By the last step of the project physical testing was performed, where some challenges occurred related to material choices and further simulations and tests are therefore planned after this project.