The fourth general assembly meeting of Project RESTORE took place on December 3–4, 2024, at the Energy Department of Politecnico di Milan’s (POLIMI) in Milan, marking a significant milestone as the consortium heads into the project’s final phase. The two-day meeting was an opportunity to review progress, discuss achievements across all work packages, and strategize for the remaining months leading up to the project’s conclusion in September 2025.
The past year has been pivotal for RESTORE. Last year during the second general meeting held in Vienna in December 2023, the consortium witnessed firsthand advancements in thermochemical energy storage (TCES) at Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien). This year, further progress was achieved, with TU Wien successfully constructing a 5kW TCES and advancing the development of a 30kW plant.
The meeting in Milan showcased another major highlight: the prototype of the reversible Organic Rankine Cycle (rORC) system, developed through collaborative efforts led by ENERBASQUE and POLIMI. Transported to POLIMI in June 2024, this innovative prototype has undergone rigorous testing since its arrival. Attendees were able to review its performance and discuss the next steps, which include integrating the prototype with the TCES at TU Wien.
Progress was not limited to physical prototypes. The RESTORE Virtual Tool, developed using SimTech’s advanced simulation tools, IPSEpro and IPSE GO, has also achieved a major milestone with the completion of first simulations for Use Case 1. This represents a significant step in validating the RESTORE concept in an upscaled scenario. The simulations demonstrate how the two innovative technologies can work together effectively in real-case scenarios. Building on this success, the remaining Use Cases are scheduled for simulation in the coming months.
In addition to technical updates, the meeting covered a wide range of topics essential to the project’s success. These included project monitoring and control, socio-economic assessments, life-cycle analysis of the prototypes and materials, and strategies to overcome upcoming challenges.
The consortium members also got an opportunity to take part in the Exploitation Workshop hosted by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum on the second day. Focused on Persona Development and the Sustainable Business Model Canvas, the workshop provided consortium members with tools to refine their ideas and plan for the long-term impact of RESTORE innovations.
The fourth general meeting was a resounding success, bringing the consortium closer to its goals and setting the stage for the exciting work ahead. The consortium’s collective enthusiasm and dedication were evident throughout the meeting. With prototypes nearing completion and successful simulations, RESTORE is on track to make significant contributions to sustainable energy solutions. The upcoming integration of the TCES and rORC prototypes at TU Wien represents a major step towards realizing the RESTORE concept – a milestone that all partners eagerly anticipate as RESTORE moves into its final phase.
- The Exploitation Workshop hosted by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
- Consortium members at the 4th General Meeting in Milan
- The rORC prototype at POLIMI
Photo credits: Dennis Rein/@reinspire.d