Control strategy and techno-economic optimization of a small-scale hybrid energy storage system: A reversible HP/ORC-based Carnot battery and an electrical battery
Agricultural energy transition; Hybrid energy storage system; Rule-based control strategy; Techno-economic optimization; Pumped thermal energy storage; Off-grid electrification
Abstract :
[en] By integrating renewable energy, Carnot batteries can support farms with intermittent grid access and a high reliance on diesel. This study proposes a reversible HP/ORC system hybridized with an electrical battery (BAT) to meet power and cooling demands. Operational strategies regarding ORC/BAT output priority and whether ORC charges BAT are analyzed: (A) ORC prioritizes and charges BAT, (B) BAT prioritizes while ORC charges BAT, (C) ORC prioritizes without charging BAT, and (D) BAT prioritizes without ORC charging BAT. A system without BAT (NoBAT) serves as a benchmark. The impact of mismatches between the built-in volume ratio of the compressor and hot storage temperature on HP/ORC performance is investigated, and a techno-economic optimization considering system size, operational parameters, and control factors is conducted under off-grid conditions. Results indicate an optimal levelized cost of energy between 0.165 and 0.216 €/kWh. Strategy B achieves the best energy coverage and CO2 reduction, while NoBAT incurs the lowest investment costs. Strategies B/D demonstrate higher adaptability to demand and component size variations, while the annual grid reliability significantly influences grid/diesel usage in NoBAT and Strategy A. This study highlights the potential of hybrid Carnot/electrical battery systems to enhance energy resilience and sustainability for family farms.
Research Center/Unit :
A&M - Aérospatiale et Mécanique - ULiège
Disciplines :
Energy
Author, co-author :
Guo, Bentao ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Aérospatiale et Mécanique (A&M)
Lemort, Vincent ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > Thermodynamique appliquée
Cendoya, Aitor ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Aérospatiale et Mécanique (A&M)
Language :
English
Title :
Control strategy and techno-economic optimization of a small-scale hybrid energy storage system: A reversible HP/ORC-based Carnot battery and an electrical battery
Publication date :
16 May 2025
Journal title :
Energy
ISSN :
0360-5442
eISSN :
1873-6785
Publisher :
Elsevier
Special issue title :
37th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems
H2020 - 963530 - LEAP-RE - Long-Term Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Renewable Energy
Name of the research project :
REPTES - Renewable plants integrated with pumped thermal energy storage for sustainable satisfaction of energy and agricultural needs of African communities
Funders :
EC - European Commission F.R.S.-FNRS - Fund for Scientific Research European Union
Funding number :
R.8003.23
Funding text :
The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the project "REPTES - Renewable plants integrated with pumped thermal energy storage for sustainable satisfaction of energy and agricultural needs of African communities" under LEAP-RE programme, which has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant Agreement 963530. The first author also acknowledges the support of Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique - FNRS under Grant(s) n° R.8003.23.
Commentary :
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