Geothermal Storage and Phase Change Materials: The Future of Energy Independence

This innovative project is focused on developing a combined system for long-term and short-term energy storage from renewable energy sources (RES). The primary goal is the decarbonization of the energy sector through local balancing of district heating and electrical grids.

Technological Directions:

• Seasonal Storage (BTES): Utilizing the ground as a massive energy accumulator where heat is actively injected during the summer to be extracted during the winter for heating and domestic hot water (DHW).
• Borehole Density: Boreholes are shorter and arranged in a grid spaced 2.5 to 3.5 meters apart to minimize heat loss to the surrounding ground layers.
• Phase Change Material (PCM) Accumulators: Utilizing latent heat to store energy in volumes 3 to 5 times smaller than conventional water tanks.
• Hybrid Integration: A system based on three types of renewable energy – solar, geothermal, and air.

Scientific Partners and Execution:

The project unites the expertise of leading institutes within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS):

• Lead Organization: Central Laboratory of Solar Energy and New Energy Sources (CL SENES – BAS)
• Partners: Institute of Mechanics (IMech – BAS) and Institute of Chemical Engineering (ICHE – BAS)