This lessons learnt report looks at an innovative new cooling technology that integrates renewable energy sources with low-cost thermal energy storage batteries.
Report extract
The innovative new cooling technology developed in South Australia integrates renewable energy sources with low-cost thermal energy storage batteries controlled by a newly developed cloud-based forecasting algorithm to optimise the system’s operation based on weather forecasts, electricity price forecasts, and customer demand forecasts to optimise the storage system in order to maximise customer savings.
All three projects utilise natural refrigerants ither ammonia or carbon dioxide heat pumps to provide cooling to the thermal batteries rather than commonly used synthetic refrigerants which are harmful to the environment. The systems have been installed in food, agriculture and tourism sectors and are now commissioned. All three projects are in their monitoring and optimisation phase.
This Lessons Learnt report provides insights on the development, installation, and commissioning of thermal energy storage (TES) and advanced control and forecasting algorithm (ACFA) integrated with solar PV, existing refrigeration infrastructure and the optimal control system.
