Structure

WP1 main objectives are:

• To define requirements, specifications and possible barriers of the ASTERIx-CAESar overall concept;
• To define specifications of the experimental prototypes and validation activities to address TRL-6/7;
• Evaluation of different compressed air storage solutions (aboveground and underground) to identify the most efficient and cost-effective options;
• Techno-economic optimization of ASTERIx-CAESar concept taking into account different use-cases (also considering integration with desalination and process heat);
• To assess the environmental sustainability through Life Cycle Analysis and recyclability potential;
• To assess the socio-economic sustainability and social impact;
• Define and monitor KPIs for project development, validation, and perform the risk analysis and mitigation.

WP2 main objectives are:

• Optimizing the ASTERIx-CAESar solar receiver based on the developments done in the finished H2020 project CAPTure;
• Optimize the ceramic foam solar absorber to maximize lifetime for high-flux-density commercial operation;
• Optimize the ceramic receiver structure (stackable free-floating modules);
• Optimize the ceramic receiver airflow guiding elements (orifices, dampers);
• Optimize the high-performance thermal insulation and radiation shields;
• Perform an iterative optimization procedure combining numerical as well as experimental evaluation at module (10-20 kW thermal) as well as validation/demonstration scale (480 kW thermal);
• Design and manufacture receiver prototypes in order to be tested experimentally at module and validation scale;
• Optimize material utilization considering cost, manufacturing as well as environmental impact.

WP3 main objectives are:

• Identify the optimum heat exchanger configuration for low and high temperature exchangers (complete design study on paper);
• Perform a detailed parametric design study applying 1-D Modelica models;
• Feed/fine-tune the Modelica code with heat transfer and pressure drop parameters coming from CFD modelling and experiments;
• Benchmark the classic indirect recuperative heat exchanger concept against regenerative heat exchangers;
• Optimum material selection considering cost, performance as well as environmental impact and recyclability;
• Identify process control challenges and provide suitable methods.

WP4 main objectives are:

• Provide optimized layouts of compressor and expander trains for small-scale (≈1 MWe) as well as for large-scale implementation (up to about 150 MWe);
• Propose design modifications based on available turbomachinery;
• Establish reliable turbomachinery performance maps and cost data for the techno-economic optimization study in WP1;
• Address turbo-machinery specific control issues;
• Design and optimization of the bottoming cycle architecture (steam or organic working fluid Rankine cycle);
• Overall parameter optimization and definition of the novel energy storage and combined cycle power generation unit;
• Establish overall performance and cost data for the techno-economic optimization study in WP1.

WP5 main objectives are:

• Develop a fast, dynamic, accurate, adaptive, and predictive AI-based heliostat control system for CSP central receiver plants to ensure a well-defined and stable solar flux distribution;
• Develop a reliable fibre-optic based sensor measurement system for the concentrated solar flux and temperature distributions on central receivers;
• Demonstrate the AI-based heliostat control system during at least 6 months of operation at IMDEA and PSA CRS experimental tower in relevant environment.

WP6 main objectives are:

• Experimentally evaluate the thermal behaviour of the ASTERIx-CAESar solar absorbers at module-scale (10-20 kW_th) and validation/validation scale (480 kW_th);
• Adapt the existing CAPTure prototype to allow the demonstration of the key components of the ASTERIx-CAESar concept in the relevant environment;
• Operate a demonstration-scale (TRL6/7) solar powered CAES plant in the in relevant environment, in combination with a small-scale RO desalination unit coupled by a gas-liquid pressure exchanger.

WP7 main objectives are:

• Develop and implement a targeted dissemination and communication strategy for maximum project visibility and impact in relevant areas at local, national and international levels;
• Design tools and materials for dissemination and communication that target a variety of stakeholders, incl. the scientific community, industry, policy makers, and the wider public;
• Coordinate the exploitation of results, manage project innovation and IP and develop a preliminary Exploitation Roadmap and follow-up strategies to secure the future uptake of project results;
• Coordinate knowledge exchange and dialogues with key stakeholders to maximize the impact of ASTERIx-CAESar, while minimizing risks that could hamper the uptake of project results;
• The continuous update of the project’s context to anticipate the changes in the market´s trends by efficient innovation management;
• Consolidating synergies with other EU-funded projects and EC cluster and initiatives.

WP8 main objectives are:

• Establish a reliable interface to the EC services;
• ASTERIx-CAESar project management, including:
  • Coordination of the project WPs (through WP leaders) according to the work plan, ensuring high quality project outcomes;
  • Efficient and high-quality communication between all the partners;
  • Coordination of financial reporting;
  • Distribution of the financial support received from the Commission to the partners;
  • Considering relevant gender issues.