The main objective of Competes is to demonstrate at TRL 6-7 CARTESIAN's second generation of thermal energy storage (TES) system, including elevating the TRL from 4 to 6-7 of two major innovations whose concept was recently proved at SINTEF Lab.
In the quest for sustainable and competitive thermal energy storage (TES), the Innovation Project for the Industrial Sector (IPN) Competes project is at the front of innovation.
The primary goal is to elevate Cartesian's second-generation TES systems to Technology Readiness Levels 6-7, showcasing two groundbreaking innovations. The first involves a novel design method using extruded aluminum profiles, making the TES system significantly lighter and 30% more cost-effective (patent pending). The second innovation introduces a state-of-charge determination method, essential for optimizing system performance.
Beyond integration into the TES system, the project aims to refine the industrial and building processes' integration and enhance the control system. These advancements promise a 20% reduction in CO2 footprint, paving the way for widespread adoption by 2027.
The background of Competes lies in the critical role TES plays in addressing energy consumption challenges. Approximately half of building energy consumption and up to 80% in industries is in the form of thermal energy. Cartesian (spin-off from SINTEF) leverages decade-long research on phase change materials for TES, offering a clean and efficient way of handling daily energy fluctuations. The IPN Competes aims to revolutionize how we manage peak energy demands, reducing costs, and fostering a sustainable approach to heating and cooling processes.
Competes has a budget of 14.4 MNOK, (7.2 MNOK from the Research Council og Norway). The project spans from 2024 to 2026, with a focus on new heat exchanger design, state-of-charge determination, control system development, and system/process integration.
Dr. Jorge Salgado Beceiro (SINTEF) manages the project, owned by Cartesian.
The IPN Competes not only promises advancements in TES but also sets the stage for pre-commercial technology by 2026. The project represents a pioneering effort towards a future where efficient and environmentally friendly TES becomes the norm.