Concentrated heat storage for solar heating

The Independent Solar System (ISS) project was initiated in 2008 in order to develop a solar thermal heating system capable of covering the full-year heat and hot water load of a single family house using high temperature thermal storage. A team of European solar thermal experts, research institutions and industrial partners developed the system by combining innovative technologies (high temperature heat transfer fluid, super-insulated storage tanks and a specialized control system) with standard off-the-shelf components. The aim was to create an efficient, affordable and reliable solar thermal heating and hot water system operating at high temperatures for small and medium sized buildings. In 2009, the first prototype system was produced and installed on a pilot building. Over the 2009-2010 heating period actual performance of the prototype system was monitored using web-based applications and then evaluated against system performance simulations. The data shows promising potential for this renewable energy solution for homes in south and central Europe.