THE CONCEPT
FLUWS aims to create and test a flexible, reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective thermal energy storage (TES) system suitable for future concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. These plants will operate at higher temperatures and be combined with photovoltaic (PV) systems, enhancing CSP cost efficiency as outlined in the latest CSP SET plan.
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The FLUWS project focuses on validating a novel TES concept up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. This concept ensures high thermal efficiency with minimal environmental impact by reusing waste from the ceramic industry and utilizing air as the heat transfer fluid. Building on the consortium’s expertise, the project will develop a cost-effective radial packed-bed TES and materials for high-temperature applications.
KEY FEATURES
Innovative, flexible and scalable thermal energy storage for CSP applications
Optimized TES materials from residual media/waste
Enhanced low energy/high throughput bricks extrusion process
Packed bed TES with embedded
low voltage EH units
AI and cloud based platform for hybrid CSP-PV plants TEA
Objectives
To face all the challenges related to the promotion and development of innovative, efficient, reliable and flexible CSP system and their key thermal energy storage, the FLUWS consortium identified four main objectives​:​
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Develop, model, prototype, and validate at TRL 5 an innovative, flexible and scalable thermal energy storage for CSP applications
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Develop, extensively characterize, prototype and validate at TRL 5 a novel solid media sensible TES material based on upcycled waste streams
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Maximizing the flexibility and dispatchability of CSP plants including FLUWS solutions in the future energy system landscape and minimize the impact of the FLUWS solutions by maximizing their circularity by design and leading to more socially/stakeholders accepted CSP systems
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Promote FLUWS solutions across EU and non–EU and facilitate market uptake and path to TRL9 and commercialization​
partners
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is one of Europe's top technical universities, having a robust history of collaborating with industry and research institutions. Within KTH, the Energy Technology department carries out research in several areas, including poly-generation, energy systems analysis, and concentrating solar power, with a particular emphasis on energy storage, heat pumps, and solar energy component development. KTH possesses extensive expertise in techno-economic analysis and component modelling, utilizing in-house techno-economic tools. Additionally, KTH has established facilities, including the high flux solar simulator and high-temperature TES rig, which allow for the experimentation and evaluation of various high-temperature solar-driven components.
KTH coordinates the FLUWS project and will host the overall experimental validation campaign leveraging the existing infrastructure and building upon previously developed prototypes. Additionally, KTH will support techno-economic analysis and component CFD/FEM modelling activities.
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe. With a staff of about 1400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.​
Dinex Deutschland GMBH
Dinex is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of innovative exhaust and aftertreatment solutions for the heavy-duty diesel and gas engine industry. Founded in 1982, the company operates in over 20 countries with more than 2000 employees, providing advanced technologies to meet stringent emissions regulations. Dinex’s comprehensive product range includes complete exhaust systems, catalytic converters, and particulate filters, as well as ceramic and metallic filter and substrate materials, designed to enhance performance and sustainability. With a strong focus on research and development, Dinex is committed to delivering high-quality, efficient solutions that support cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation and energy production.
Rpow Consulting
RPow is a consultancy and engineering firm whose mission is to develop customized solutions for a greener future (Net Zero) through the use of long-duration energy storage systems.​​
In addition to solutions tailored to solar energy, RPow applies thermal storage to decarbonize industrial processes, maximize green hydrogen production, and retrofit coal plants into Carnot batteries.
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Sunntics Europe
​SUNNTICS is a company that develops AI based digital tools applied to Solar Hybrid and Storage technologies in all stages of a project lifecycle. Our mission is to make Solar Hybrid a competitive and essential part of the energy mix by driving significant advances in the efficiency, scalability, and economic viability of CSP, ensuring a sustainable and green future for power generation worldwide. At SUNNTICS, we envision a future where CSP is a cornerstone of power generation, contributing to meeting the energy needs.
Cosentino Research & Development
At Cosentino® we specialise in the design, production and distribution of architectural and decorative solutions. To this end, we create top-quality brands and products that provide sustainable, innovative and functional solutions for homes and public spaces alike, making us the ideal partners for interior designers and architects. Our three pioneering brands are renowned for the excellence of their finishes: Silestone®, Dekton® and Sensa by Cosentino®, all leaders in their respective segments. Thanks to the solutions they provide, we build innovative surfaces that enable us to conjure up unique spaces and designs.
Fersisolar
​FersiSolar is a leading engineering and consulting firm specializing in concentrated solar thermal installations. Our expertise lies in providing a diverse array of technical services and innovative solutions for industrial heat supply using renewable energy sources. Our establishment stems from the collective wealth of experience of our team, who are dedicated to leveraging their years of expertise to serve Active Holders, Investment Funds, and Financial Entities effectively.​
​ODTÜ-GÜNAM
​ODTÜ-GÜNAM (Middle East Technical University Center for Solar Energy Research and Application) is Türkiye's leading center for solar energy research and development. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, it specializes in solar cell and module Technologies in addition to solar thermal technologies and power electronics. ODTÜ-GÜNAM's ODAK division focuses on concentrated solar thermal energy and thermal energy storage. In the FLUWS project, ODTÜ-GÜNAM will be leading the work package in which a novel thermal energy storage design is optimized using CFD and FEM analyses, integrating brick-based storage and electrical heaters.
​RINA Consulting
With over 160 years of experience, RINA is a multinational company that helps clients build strong and successful businesses. Through a global network of 5.300 talented professionals operating in 70 countries, we support organisations through the entire life cycle of their projects.
Our solutions help all energy players meet their environmental targets and ensure compliance with the highest standards and we combine innovation and safety to ensure sustainable growth for companies throughout their project development. With a specific focus on decarbonisation, RINA is participating in international projects and working groups aimed at filling the technical and technological gaps of the entire hydrogen supply chain, with particular attention to the aspects relating to energy and transport. RINA has extensive track record in renewable energy, grid applications, energy storage and in the transformation of the energy sector.
​ODQA Renewable Energy Technologies limited
Odqa Renewable Energy Technologies is an engineering spinout from the University of Oxford developing the next generation solar thermal receivers. We are developing the best solar thermal receivers in the world which unlock cheap and clean heat for power generation and process heat applications.
​Exheat
EXHEAT is a globally renowned designer and manufacturer of electric process heating and control systems. Our experience in the design of electric heaters for use in hazardous area locations is second to none. Our complete range of custom-engineered process and immersion heaters, together with our standard product portfolio which incorporates immersion heaters, room heaters and thermostats have extensive IECEx, ATEX and CSA certification amongst others.
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