nolla_E Participates in the NewHeatIntegrated Project
nolla_E is a partner in the NewHeatIntegrated project, supported by the CETP (Clean Energy Transition Partnership) and Business Finland. The project aims to develop an innovative and cost-effective solution for storing thermal energy in buildings across Europe. Led by Fraunhofer, the initiative includes partners from Finland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Keywords
| Keyword | Description |
| Phase Change Material | A substance that stores and releases heat by changing its state, such as melting or freezing. This allows efficient thermal energy storage. |
| Energy Storage | A device or system that stores energy for later use. For example, heat can be stored for winter heating. |
| Thermal Storage Density | A measure of how much thermal energy can be stored in a given volume. Higher density means more efficient storage in less space. |
Energy Storage for a Sustainable Future
Thermal energy storage solutions are critical for creating more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. The NewHeatIntegrated project supports this transition by developing a scalable, high-performance thermal energy storage concept using switchable Phase Change Materials (sPCM). These materials aim to achieve high thermal storage density while minimizing energy losses during heat transfer.
International Collaboration and Testing Environments
The NewHeatIntegrated project tests thermal energy storage in three diverse environments:
- Ostrava (Czech Republic): The first test storage has already been filled and is ready for testing.
- Schwarzenbach (Germany)
- Vaasa (Finland)
All storage tanks will be operational by 2025, providing valuable data from different climates and building conditions.
nolla_E’s Role in the Project
nolla_E contributes its expertise in algorithm development, modeling, and optimization. A primary goal is to create an AI-based monitoring and control system for the thermal storage units. AI technology will enable:
- Continuous system optimization
- Maximized energy efficiency
- Ensured economic viability
Thanks to scalability, these solutions are suitable for various building types, supporting their commercial use and broader adoption.
The Power of International Collaboration
Project partners regularly meet to advance the initiative. In September, nolla_E participated in a meeting in Chemnitz, Germany, where the project’s progress was reviewed, and Fraunhofer’s cutting-edge research was showcased.
This year, the project enters the analysis phase, focusing on evaluating data and the economic feasibility of the energy storage solutions. The ultimate goal is to bring thermal energy storage to a new level and closer to commercial implementation.