A Leap Forward in Thermochemical Technology!

TechUpgrade

Overview

The primary objective of TechUPGRADE is to design, develop, and demonstrate (TRL 5) an innovative thermochemical heat upgrade system (Hydration Heat Transformer), in two specific designs, for temperature boosting of low-grade industrial waste heat, solar thermal collectors, and district heating networks to 150–250° C.

Consortium

14 partners from 8 countries
- 5 universities
- 4 SMEs
- 2 large companies
- 3 research centers

Budget

Start Date: 01 May 2023
End Date: 30 April 2027
Budget: €4.99 million

MG Contribution

One of MG main tasks is the implementation of the 35 kW test setup with concentrating solar thermal in Sweden. It will include the design of the system, taking into consideration the needs of TechUPGRADE’s solution, both in terms of collector field sizing and solar central configurations. This will be followed by the installation and coupling phase when the CST system will be constructed and coupled to the heat upgrade unit. The task will end with a 6-9 months-long operation and monitoring of the coupled system to outline improvement possibilities, potential pitfalls and scaling opportunities.

MG also leads the Socio-Economic Impact Analysis task with he objective to measure TechUPGRADE’s impact on the local communities (industrial points), where the technology will be installed. The assessment will be performed with questionnaires and with semi-structured interviews form for the acquisition of both quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaires will be structured around the main themes that TechUPGRADE’s solution will provide and will focus on the issues of environmental, economic, and social impacts it will generate. Demographic data will be gathered to maximize the accuracy and analysis of data and all the personal data gathered will be assessed and treated as GDPR and respective national regulations are indicating.  

Consortium meeting Larissa 21-22 November 2023
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Progress and Impact

A comprehensive numerical model for the reactor has been established, integrating the heat and mass transfer processes within the porous reactive material, strontium bromide, with reaction kinetics derived from previous DLR research. Parametric studies are underway to explore the effects of various variables on reactor performance, and efforts are focused on optimizing the reactor’s topology to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. On the socio-economic impact front, the stakeholder analysis has been initiated, identifying key groups such as consortium partners, local residents, businesses, and government officials, along with the respective engagement plan.

Key impact areas of the project are:
 
Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that focus on benefiting people, providing affordable and clean energy, and promoting a circular and clean economy. This includes the reuse of industrial waste heat, enhancing circularity, and optimizing the sharing and repurposing of existing resources.
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