Modelling and simulation of a thermal storage system based on phase change materials integrated in a tertiary building

Abstract

Decarbonization of the building sector is one of the key challenges to achieve the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, established in the European Green Deal. In this sense, current trends focus on the promotion of onsite renewable energy sources, as well as on the electrification of heating and cooling demands and sector coupling approaches through Power-to-heat strategies. This minimizes energy transportation losses while creating an increased need for storage systems. In this scenario, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems gain importance and provide the required flexibility, although the experience with high storage periods and volumes, fast response capacity, easy integration into building facilities and cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions is still scarce. This paper focuses on a TRNSYS (Transient System Simulation Program) modelling and simulation analysis of different integration strategies of a TES system based on Phase Change Materials (PCM) into a real-scale tertiary building. The target building (CARTIF III) is located in Valladolid, Spain, within a Mediterranean climatic area, and incorporates different energy systems including a local photovoltaic (PV) field and a geothermal heat pump (HP). The combination of the PCM storage with the PV and the geothermal HP is studied for the cooling season (in summer) aiming at maximizing the overall system energy efficiency and minimizing the energy import from the grid, thus pursuing a Smart Island concept. Results from this study will feed the solution design for the actual integration project that will be addressed within the framework of a upcoming EU research project.