Dottorato in ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE FOR ENERGY
AND INDUSTRY

Titolo della tesi: Thermal Energy Storage: design and operation optimization of electrical power supply

Storage systems play an essential role in the energy transition, since they can empower renewable intermittent energy sources to provide power when needed, without emitting carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, unlike fossil fuels. The thesis is centered around Magaldi Green Thermal Energy Storage (MGTES), a thermal energy storage technology based on a fluidized bed of sand, representing a cost-effective solution for industrial decarbonization of mid-temperature energy-intensive processes, e.g. for the production of paper, ceramic, food and beverages. In particular, the thesis focuses on MGTES electrical power supply and describes its design and optimization, carried out to maximize its performance, thus fostering its widespread adoption in the industrial sector as a sustainable replacement for natural gas boilers. Different options are examined for the electrical hardware, outlining interesting alternatives to power electronic devices for applications that do not require a precise control, achieving proper resolution at limited cost, high reliability and recyclability. Models and algorithms have been developed to simulate and optimize MGTES across diverse scenarios, culminating in the realization of the ESTESO. This software adheres to a "one-tool approach", offering a versatile and unified solution to address both sizing and operational aspects of MGTES systems. Beyond its research applications, ESTESO has been designed for practical engineering usage, facilitating the sizing of MGTES systems. The same software will act as energy management system, employing real-time data from MGTES sensors to optimize power flows through online simulations.