Techno-economic study of grid-scale Carnot batteries : what techno-economic conditions enable grid-scale Carnot battery deployment ?

Details

Supervisors

Contino, Francesco ; Laterre, Antoine

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électromécanicien, à finalité spécialisée: énergie

Abstract

This master's thesis offers an investigation into the techno-economic aspects and potential applications of three distinct Carnot batteries designed for daily energy storage purposes. The primary objective of this study is to enhance our comprehension of the potential framework within which Carnot batteries could be deployed. Through the utilization of an energy system optimization model, the deployement costs of Carnot batteries on a grid scale are determined. This methodology serves to emphasize how the performance disparities among various technologies directly influence their deployment costs. The findings of this research work provide a better understanding of how the Carnot battery would be used, and the costs at which the Carnot battery would prove to be the optimal solution in Belgium. In summary, this master's thesis not only clarifies the economic and operational complexities associated with the integration of Carnot batteries, but also provides an assessment of their potential contributions to energy systems. The impact of the performance and discharge time of these machines on their deployment underlines the complex nature of energy storage planning, highlighting the need for meticulous deliberation and well-informed decision-making to move towards a sustainable and efficient energy future.