Accumulation of solar energy using air-water thermal transformers for combined production of ice and hot water.

An innovative energy management and storage system is proposed based on the "energy-heat-cold-energy" concept through the combined production and accumulation of ice and heat in the form of hot water using solar energy, especially during periods of its price dropping to zero on the market (in some countries up to 400-1100 hours per year). Air-to-water thermal transformers installed in freezers are used. Water heated in the thermal transformer condenser is directed for subsequent temperature increase in thermal flat liquid solar collectors connected to hot water accumulators. After the accumulators, it is used in the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to heat the working fluid leaving the condenser, which increases the efficiency of the ORC, reducing the consumption of high-potential heat of the hot source. The efficiency of the ORC is also increased by reducing the temperature of the environment cooling the condenser, using ice obtained in the freezers. We have developed and tested (TRL5) an innovative, cost-effective technology for producing ice in freezing chambers with air-to-water thermal transformers.

Achieved a comprehensive use of photovoltaic and direct solar thermal energy for cost-effective long-term energy storage during periods of reduced market prices. The use of photovoltaic panels for heating heat-accumulating materials, providing increased efficiency of the ORC, is proposed.