IMPACT – Hybrid hydraulic and electric charging of stratified compact hot water

Starting point / motivation

In order to make urban residential buildings climate-neutral, efficient use of renewable energies is required. While centralised hot water systems are associated with high heat losses, decentralised systems offer greater energy efficiency. However, their implementation often fails due to a lack of space, a lack of compatibility with renewable energy sources and technical limitations.

The IMPACT project addresses this challenge by developing an innovative, flat, decentralised stratified storage tank that integrates optimally into modern low-temperature heating systems and maximises the use of renewable energy sources.

Contents and goals

The main objective of IMPACT is the design and laboratory validation of a decentralised hot water storage tank that:

• has a space-saving design,
• optimises the use of various renewable energy sources
• utilises intelligent control mechanisms for maximum efficiency,
• can be produced cost-effectively.

In addition to technological development, the project aims to achieve economic and ecological sustainability. By using intelligent energy management systems, the storage system is to be charged and discharged efficiently in order to minimise energy losses. In addition, the design is to be conceived as a 'ready-to-install' solution to facilitate installation in existing buildings.

Methods

The project follows a multi-stage approach:

• Development of the storage design: CFD simulations to optimise stratification, heat transfer and hydraulic connection.
• Material and production research: Testing of bio-based insulation materials and innovative production methods.
• Intelligent control: Development of machine learning-based soft sensors for precise monitoring of the state of charge and optimisation of the energy supply.
• Laboratory validation: Functional tests of the developed storage pattern under realistic conditions.
• Market and profitability analysis: Investigation of the potential for a broad market launch and patent applications.

Expected results

The project aims to create a technological basis for a new generation of decentralised hot water storage tanks that achieve significantly higher energy efficiency than existing systems thanks to their innovative design and intelligent control.

The expected results are:

• An operational functional model of the hot water storage tank with optimised temperature stratification and intelligent control.
• Reduction of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions through efficient use of renewable energies
• Cost-efficient production through optimised manufacturing technologies.
• Market potential analysis focussing on patent application and economic scalability.

Project management

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH

Project or cooperation partners

PINK GmbH

Dipl.-Ing. Felix Hochwallner
Giefinggasse 2
A-1210 Vienna

Tel.: +43 (664) 815 79 41
E-mail: felix.hochwallner@ait.ac.at
Web: www.ait.ac.at