Development of an innovative compact hybrid electrical-thermal storage system for historic building integrated applications in the Mediterranean climate

Abstract

Currently in the EU, there are limited examples of operationally integrated solutions capable of achieving optimal interaction of energy networks, combining both electricity and heat-cooling energy supply and storage. There is thus, a need for the efficient use of renewable energy resources through hybrid systems utilising generation and storage of energy. The present study proposes a novel concept for the development of an innovative compact hybrid electrical-thermal storage system for stand-alone and district connected buildings. The proposed hybrid storages will be used to upgrade existing building configurations and will be monitored in real-life operation in a historic building in Cyprus. The building has been selected to be part of a hands-on technology exhibition area of renewable energy systems complimented with visual means to enhance the experience of visitors. The RES systems will be enhanced with enabling technologies offering the benefits of smart digitalised home solutions that can seamlessly be integrated in the neighbouring communities / districts to form energy communities. The municipality is to use the systems as a hands-on experience for informing society about the use of new technologies in their homes capable of offering a transition to the low-carbon economy achieving high levels of energy savings. Moreover, the integration of such systems in this specific application is to be used as an exploration of the sensitive issue of the architectural integration of technologically advanced systems into the listed buildings of historical centers. The concept presented herein is part of the ongoing research programme HYBUILD, which is funded by the European Union through HORIZON 2020.