The ASTEP project is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards revolutionizing industrial energy systems with innovative solar energy solutions. At this pivotal stage, the project is conducting comprehensive testing of its four primary sub-systems: the solar field, the thermal energy storage system, and the integrated system. These tests mark a crucial step towards achieving the project’s overarching goal of demonstrating ASTEP technology at lab scale and validating it under real-world industrial constraints.
Scope and Objectives of the Testing Phase
The primary aim of this testing phase is to validate the performance of the ASTEP sub-systems under various solar input conditions, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of the two industrial case studies: ArcelorMittal Tubular Products (AMTP) and Mandrekas Dairy Industry (MAND). By successfully demonstrating the technology at a Technology Readiness Level of 4 (TRL4), the project paves the way for subsequent stages involving implementation and testing at the end-user sites.
Cutting-Edge Technology Under Testing
- Thermal Energy Storage System: Developed at UPCT’s premises, this system comprises three thermal accumulators using phase-change materials. These accumulators feature an innovative design with inserts that enhance heat transfer efficiency. Testing focuses on validating the charging and discharging processes against the predefined specifications.
- SunDial Technology: Constructed at UPM’s TecnoGetafe facilities, the SunDial system includes two unique designs tailored to each case study. The first design features a rotatory platform with two fixed mirror fields and a receiver at the top, rotating to track the sun’s azimuth angle. The second design incorporates an additional solar tracking system, enabling the mirrors to follow both the sun’s height and azimuth angle. Testing objectives include:
- Operating temperatures of up to 240 °C.
- Peak thermal power delivery of up to 17 kW.
- Achieving 135 kWh on summer days, 50 kWh on winter days, and 25 MWh annually.
- Integrated System: Installed alongside the SunDial technology, this system emulates the heat demand of industrial processes and integrates components such as a heat exchanger, sensors, actuators, and control systems. The testing ensures correct implementation of the control systems and accurate data collection for further analysis.
Real-World Impact
The testing phase bridges the gap between theoretical designs and practical applications. By simulating high-temperature energy demands, the project optimizes system performance, ensures reliability, and identifies potential challenges before full-scale deployment. For the ASTEP project, this means:
- Tailored solar energy solutions for AMTP and MAND, showcasing renewable energy’s capability to replace fossil fuels in high-temperature industrial processes.
- Advancing the EU’s decarbonization goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering energy independence through local solar resources.
- Supporting economic resilience by promoting renewable energy adoption, which can stabilize energy costs and create new jobs in the sector.
Next Steps
Upon completion of the testing phase by the end of 2024, the systems will be decommissioned and shipped to the end-user sites for final implementation and testing under relevant industrial conditions. This will include:
- Joint testing of the complete ASTEP systems at AMTP and MAND.
- Analysis of collected data to validate models and propose technological improvements.
- Disseminating initial findings to the scientific community and preparing a user-friendly data visualization tool.
Looking Ahead
The second testing stage at the end-user sites will validate the technology at TRL5, culminating in the achievement of ASTEP’s project objectives. The final results will be shared through a comprehensive report and a closing newsletter, set for release by mid-2025.
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