NewHeatIntegrated partners met in Vaasa – Innovations in thermal energy storage

NewHeatIntegrated is an international research project developing novel solutions for thermal energy storage in buildings. On 17 September, the project partners, including nolla_E, gathered in Vaasa for a status meeting to review project progress, achievements so far, and the next steps ahead. The meeting also included a visit to the University of Vaasa’s laboratories and research infrastructure – and even a friendly Sega Rally competition.

Project partners

Coordinated by German University Fraunhofer ICT, the consortium brings together research institutes, universities, and companies to explore technically innovative and economically viable ways to integrate renewable heat in urban environments. The project involves six partners from three countries:

• Fraunhofer ICT University and Fraunhofer IWU University (Germany)

• BME Dr. Golbs & Partner GmbH (Germany)

• VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic)

• University of Vaasa (Finland)

• nolla_E Oy (Finland)

  
  

International collaboration enables solutions to be tested under diverse conditions: demonstration sites are located in Ostrava, Schwarzenbach, and Vaasa. The first phase-change storage unit is already filled and ready for testing.

An alternative to water tanks: PCM-based thermal storage

One of the most promising developments so far has been the advancement of phase change material (PCM)-based storage systems:

• PCM units can store heat in just one-sixth of the space required by conventional water tanks, reducing space requirements and construction costs.

• Laboratory tests show a storage density of about 185 kJ/l (~0.051 kWh/l) with stable performance. For example, a 260-litre unit can store up to 13.2 kWh of energy.

• Thanks to the new PCM materials, with melting points around 40–45 °C, the systems are compatible with existing heating circuits – making them especially attractive for retrofit projects.

  
  

While the unit cost of a PCM system is higher than that of traditional solutions, the reduced space requirements and wider applicability translate into overall savings.

nolla_E’s role in the project

nolla_E evaluates the energy-economic feasibility of the solutions developed by universities in real built environments.

Through NewHeatIntegrated, we have the opportunity to transform the way buildings are designed and retrofitted. Modular PCM-based thermal storage can reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and bring a new generation of climate-positive solutions to the market.

Learn more about the project: newheatintegrated.eu

The project is co-funded by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Project Management Jülich, the CET Partnership, Business Finland and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (Grant Agreement no. 03EN6042A).