In the energy sector, efficient management of heating demand and supply and thermal storage, Grimsbox emerges as a crucial solution. Unlike electricity, heat can be stored with relative simplicity using materials such as water, ceramic or refractory brick. However, traditional methods based on sensible heat face limitations in capacity and efficiency.
Challenges of variability in heating
Among the variability in energy demand in heating systems, which is directly linked to weather, time of day and seasons, represents a significant challenge to achieve an effective balance between supply and demand. In this context, Grims Énergies (GE), in partnership with the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), is introducing a revolutionary innovation in the field of thermal energy storage.
Grimsbox and the thermal storage of the future
Grimsbox, the modular solution developed, uses phase change materials (PCM) to store heat. These materials have the unique ability to change physical state at a specific temperature, absorbing or releasing significant thermal energy during the process. GE claims that its “bio-based” MCP has five times the storage density of water, marking a substantial advance.
Application and operation of Grimsbox
This tool has been implemented and equipped with a coil and a tubular heat exchanger, and uses a heat transfer fluid to absorb or release heat through the MCP. The incorporation of metal foam, a porous material that improves heat exchange, further optimizes system performance. This modular design is intended for district heating networks as well as residential and industrial applications.
Grims Énergies’ technology was initially implemented in 2022 in the Eureka district of Castelnau-le-Lez, Montpellier. This 39-hectare pilot project prioritizes connectivity, ecology and intergenerational diversity. Grimsbox thermal batteries were installed in district substations, effectively managing peak heating demand and demonstrating their viability in urban environments.
Adaptability and versatility of application
Designed primarily for urban networks, Grimsbox is also suitable for individual homes and industrial environments. Its ability to recover and reuse waste heat in factories highlights its versatility and contribution to energy efficiency.
Grims Énergies’ technology promises to transform thermal management, offering scalable and sustainable solutions in a constantly evolving energy landscape. With its successful implementation in pilot projects, Grimsbox presents itself as a significant breakthrough in the thermal storage sector.
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Source: grimsenergies.com
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