Energy storage and heat recovery in large-scale research facilities

How ESS and MAX IV manage issues relating to their large energy consumption – an issue relevant to both research facilities and industry. 

At MAX IV a heat recovery system has been constructed that can recover 4.5 MW at full operation. Heat that would otherwise be wasted is then recycled to supply the equivalent of 1500 homes in Lund with locally produced energy. 

ESS will use massive amounts of energy once it is in full operation, so the facility has set highly ambitious energy targets. The aim is for the system to involve a 20% reduction in energy use, 100% use of renewable energy, and 60% reuse of used energy, and provide a reliable energy system to enable excellent research. The hope is for a unique energy solution that can serve as a model for other, future facilities.

Mamad Eshraqi, Accelerator physicist, European Spallation Source

Pedro Fernandes. Tavares, Accelerator Director, MAX IV Laboratory/Lund University