Predicting performance of adsorption thermal energy storage: From experiments to validated dynamic models

In this work, we contribute to the understanding and prediction of the performance of adsorption TES by providing a validated dynamic model. To allow for extensive studies within an energy system, the complex geometry of the storage unit is condensed into a 1-dimensional lumped-parameter model. We are able to calibrate the model of an adsorption TES unit using only few experiments of adsorption cycles and heat losses. The developed calibration procedure yields a very accurate description of the performance of the adsorption TES unit. The prediction accuracy of the model is demonstrated for various measurements at different temperatures and storage times ranging from a few hours to days and even seasonal storage. The results show that the dynamic model provides sound predictions, describes heat losses accurately and outperforms models from literature. Thus, the model enables the simulation-based analysis of a wide range of storage applications with excellent prediction of the storage performance.