Development of a simulation tool for yield assessment of solar heat for industrial processes coupled to thermal energy storage - 2023/2024

The development of a simulation tool to assess the performance of solar heat in industrial processes coupled with thermal energy storage is key to accelerating the energy transition. Industry consumes a large share of global energy in the form of heat, and the integration of solar thermal systems can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, the lack of technical and economic certainty limits their adoption.

A simulation tool enables accurate estimation of solar contribution, taking into account hourly demand profiles, climatic variability, and the interaction with thermal storage tanks. This supports the sizing of collectors, storage volumes, and integration schemes, reducing investment risks. Moreover, by providing standardized and comparable results, it builds trust among users, designers, and investors.

Ultimately, this type of software not only optimizes technical design, but also paves the way for greater renewable energy penetration in industry, contributing to the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Program: Open Seed Funds

Project Duration: 12 months

Principal Investigator: José Miguel Cardemil Iglesias