Initial Situation: Due to the rising share of intermittent and renewable generation, the demand for energy storage is increasing. Currently, there is no storage technology available, which is sufficient to simultaneously meet all requirements such as power, capacity, costs, availability, etc. Therefore, there is a need to develop new energy storage concepts. One way is to combine different storage technologies in a so-called hybrid energy storage system to improve system characteristics, reduce costs and to allow for the development of new business models.

Goals & Level of Innovation: In the course of the project, SEKOHS Theiß an innovative hybrid energy storage system is developed and implemented. This system couples an existing large-scale thermal energy storage system (5 MW / appr. 1650 MWh) with a newly installed battery energy storage system (5 MW / 1...3 MWh) at the power plant location Theiß. The system will be operated together with a new large-scale PV plant (2 – 3 MW). The operation of this hybrid energy storage system is improved by introducing machine-learning and artificial intelligence concepts. Additional extended PV forecasting and monitoring complement the plant operation optimization.

The innovative aspects of the project include the first-time implementation of such a large-scale hybrid energy storage system in combination with intermittent PV generation. Corresponding degrees of innovation are achieved with the operation concepts based on machine learning and extended intelligent monitoring and forecasting. The project starts at TRL/SRL level 2/3. During the project, TRL/SRL level 6/7 shall be reached.

Expected Results and Findings: By the end of the project, a clear and detailed overview of the applicability of such hybrid energy storage systems is available. This overview includes technical, economic and regulatory matters. The effects of advanced plant operation optimization measures and monitoring concepts are given and finally, the deployment in other areas is assessed.