Prioritisation of heat sources

The challenge with the system under review is to improve the efficiency of existing gas boilers and, where possible, to produce the necessary heat energy from renewable energy sources (biomass boilers).

source: HeatVentors

Increasing the share of renewable energy is not only important from a sustainability perspective, but also economically advantageous.

DETAILS OF THE PLANNED SYSTEM

•   TYPE: GigaBattery

•   CAPACITY: 1200 kWh

•   MAX. OUTPUT: 4000 kW

•   DIMENSIONS: 38.5 m³

•   WEIGHT: 28,500 kg

source: HeatVentors

The Intelligent Thermal Battery is fed in storage mode from the secondary flow pipe of the biomass boiler. In discharge mode, the heat energy is fed in from the consumer return pipe, even before the branch of the gas boilers and the secondary return pipe of the biomass boiler.

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF GAS BOILERS

The efficiency of the boilers examined is influenced by two factors: the heating flow temperature, which varies depending on the current outside temperature (colder weather requires a higher flow temperature), and the partial load of the boiler, i.e. the utilisation level of the equipment. The use of a thermal battery allows the boilers to operate under more favourable conditions, as it enables more continuous and optimal load operation. This not only improves efficiency, but also contributes to a reduction in energy consumption and pollutant emissions.

source: HeatVentors

The use of thermla battery allows boilers to produce the necessary heat energy during the day at a more favourable efficiency. The surplus is stored in the thermal battery – during which the phase change material inside melts – and later, when consumer demand increases, the system utilises the previously stored energy while the phase change material freezes. This makes boiler operation more economical, while ensuring that consumer heat demand is met continuously and reliably.

INCREASING THE SHARE OF BIOMASS BOILERS

The heat capacity of one GigaBattery is 1200 kWh, so one discharge-recharge cycle can save 1200 kWh of heating energy. This means that 1200 kWh of thermal energy does not have to be produced by gas boilers, but by biomass boilers. Calculated at a gas boiler efficiency of 94%, this represents a saving of 1276.6 kWh of gas, i.e. primary energy, per charge.

The amount of CO₂ released during the combustion of biomass, such as wood chips, pellets or agricultural by-products, is theoretically equal to that absorbed from the atmosphere by plants during their growth, so biomass heating can be considered carbon neutral. In contrast, natural gas, as a fossil fuel, releases additional CO₂ into the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect. The use of biomass also supports waste reduction and the sustainable management of local ecosystems.

The economic savings come from the difference between the unit costs of biomass and natural gas, as biomass is not only environmentally friendly but also a cheaper energy source than natural gas.

ACHIEVABLE RESULTS

512,000 kWh	Achievable primary energy savings
130	Achievable GHG savings