Dynamic simulation of an integrated thermal electricity storage system using Aspen Plus Dynamics

The increment of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities have forced the world authorities to ratify stringent measures devoted to the reduction of primary energy consumption and to the spread of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). However, the widespread adoption of variable and intermittent RES highlights the necessity for large-scale energy storage, but available technologies, like Pumped Hydro, Compressed Air Energy Storage or Flow Batteries, suffer from geographical constraints, require fossil fuel streams or are characterized by low cycle life. In this context, Thermal Energy Storage Systems are poised to play a fundamental role due to their long cycle life, lack of geographical limitations, absence of fossil fuel requirements and compatibility with integration into conventional fossil-fuelled power plants. Based on this evidence, in the present study, the dynamic behaviour of an Integrated Thermal Electricity Storage System using Aspen Plus has been investigated. Aspen Plus is a pivotal tool for modelling both steady-state and dynamic systems, enabling the connection of components from its software library through streams. In instances where a specific component is not available in the library, Aspen Modeler can be utilized to model it, and subsequently, it can be integrated into Aspen Plus. This is exemplified in this study, where a packed bed is modelled using Aspen Modeler and incorporated into the overall system analysis.