The laboratory has been prepared for the integration of the individual CHEST technologies. Currently, DLR is working on the piping between the individual technologies. They are also carrying out a risk assessment to ensure the safe operation of the CHEST system. The commissioning and a first operation of the overall CHEST system is expected by the end of this summer.
Laboratory status
DLR (Stuttgart, Germany) prepared the laboratory for the integration of the individual CHEST technologies. The researchers installed the temperature-controlled heat source and heat sink, as well as the electrical connections for the individual components. However, the measurement equipment and lab control system were partially installed.
In a first step, the DLR has connected the latent heat thermal energy storage (LH-TES) to a standalone steam infrastructure. It is designed to evaporate or condensate organic fluids in a wide range of operating conditions. This setup will be used to characterize the storage component before it will be combined with the other technologies. German inspectors have already approved the test setup and it was commissioned by DLR.
Installation and commissioning
Following the next phase of the work plan, DLR has received the prototypes of the high temperature heat pump (HTHP) and the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) in its lab facilities. Both prototypes are placed in their designated locations in the laboratory. In addition, the sensible heat thermal energy storage (SH-TES) system components were placed according to the previously defined system layout.
Currently, DLR is working on the piping between the individual technologies while preparing the control room for the electrical integration. In addition, the research team also carried out a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure a safe operation of the CHEST system.
Next steps
After the piping installation, DLR will pressure the test rig and then will thermally install it. In parallel, the electrical integration will be carried out that will also include the installation of remaining measuring equipment and programming of the control system.
It is expected the researcher teams from Tecnalia and Ghent University will travel to DLR’s lab in order to prepare and perform the commissioning of the test rig. The consortium is planning the commissioning and a first operation of the overall CHEST system by the end of this summer. Appropriate test procedures for the experimental campaign will be elaborated in advance.
