Project 9 – RAISE Spoke 3

Simulation, performance prediction and validation of energy-storage systems for renewable sources, exploiting AI, robotics and innovative materials

The Project 9 had the following objectives and expected result:
Development of innovative energy storage management technologies, materials and systems (robotics, simulation and digital twin), with possibility of validation within JOINTLAB; Operation data management and plant supervision (AI, performance prediction, residual life evaluation). Electrochemical storage prototypes and the electrolyzer for the JOINTLAB will be built and installed by AGT. The JOINTLAB will provide an opportunity to evaluate various storage systems and not only electrochemical solution, namely: hydrogen storage in high-pressure and/or liquid tanks, magnetic storage (SMES- Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage), and geothermal solutions related to geothermal heat pump applications.

Product 9.1 Environmental monitoring robot of the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) tank installation area

A Rover capable of moving over an ordinarily flat area, avoiding obstacles and capable of mapping at regular time intervals (or on remote request) the presence of tank leaks, launching alarms and/or transmitting inspection data to a plant remote control room.

Product 9.2 VRFB battery electrochemical modelling tool

Electrochemical modelling tool for VRFB batteries, oriented towards an initial electrodynamic description to be used for simulation and development of innovative regulation/control algorithms.

Product 9.3 Superconducting materials for energy storage suitable with use in liquid hydrogen

A worldwide uptick in enthusiasm for power generation from renewable sources has focused a new spotlight on energy storage technology. A superconducting magnetic energy system (SMES) is a promising new technology and more environmental friendly alternative to the more common chemical, battery-driven storage.
SMES technology uses a superconducting coil to convert electrical energy into a magnetic form for storage.

Product 9.4 Design tool for geothermal storage

The Product 9.4 “Design tool for geothermal storage” essentially consists of a literature analysis on design methods of borehole heat exchangers for geothermal heat pumps and geothermal storage applications, with the related recent developments aimed at covering the possibility of involving solar thermal energy.