AQVA-HEAT I

The objectives associated with the project range from answering specific research and development questions to short-term testing/demonstration of the modified vacuum liquid ice generator and necessary additional components on a real watercourse. The project is to be seen as the first part of the large-scale AQVA HEAT project, in which a complete system for thermal water utilization based on natural refrigerants is to be developed with various partners and tested in a real environment (integration into a district heating network) throughout the year. Based on the successful developments for the application of vacuum liquid ice in the field of "cold storage" (power-to-cold), the application (coupling) of the system technology in the "material" interaction with a real body of water is now to be demonstrated, initially as part of a short-term proof of function. The necessary processing of overarching questions on aquatic ecological compatibility and the approval process complete the investigation objectives. The most important general project objectives are summarized below:

1. development and implementation of a process-safe evaporator concept for the partial freezing of additive-free water (freshwater, surface water)
2. development and system integration of necessary additional components including a process-specific extraction structure
3. initial proof of technical feasibility as part of a three-month short-term demonstration
4. cooperative run-through of an approval process using a real example
5. investigations and proof of aquatic ecological harmlessness and assessment of risks

The scope of the project is the development, construction, experimental investigation, modeling and further development of an innovative prototype thermo-mechanical electricity storage system (CARNOT-Battery) for sector coupling of electricity and heat. The project contributes to the creation of scientific and technical prerequisites for the timely provision of an applicable and environmentally friendly electricity storage system for the sector coupling of electricity and heat. The thermo-mechanical electricity storage system works with water as working and storage medium, which is CO2-neutral, available, non-toxic and economical. The system is characterized by high charging and discharging capacity, high flexibility (fast response times), simple design without complex heat exchangers, very high cycle stability, long lifetime up to 40 years, high overall efficiency and high energy storage density. In terms of security of supply, such an electricity storage system represents a significant system component in the short-, medium- and long-term energy infrastructure and thus contributes to strengthening Germany as an industrial location.