The BEST-Storage project is testing advanced energy storage systems at sites across Europe, carefully selected to reflect different climates and building types. This approach allows the project to evaluate the solutions under various conditions, making the findings widely applicable. The project includes three real demo sites, one simulated demo, and virtual cases to cover additional building types and climates across Europe. In this article, we will take a closer look at the characteristics of the three real demonstration cases of the project.
TEKNIKER Main Building: Office and Lab (Oceanic Climate)
Located in Eibar, Spain, the TEKNIKER building is an office and lab facility built in 2013, covering 8,500 m² and totaling 28,000 m² of usable space. The building operates as a “living lab,” where energy-saving technologies are tested.
Demo Focus: The project aim to install a 9 kWh slurry energy storage system, along with a smart control system, developed by TEKNIKER, GIROA, and AVANZARE. This setup will help achieve a higher level of readiness for real-world use. TEKNIKER will focus on developing the storage materials and control system, while GIROA will handle setup, operation, and integration into the building’s energy management system.
Tartu Suburban House: Single-Family Home (Continental Climate)
Near Tartu, Estonia, this single-family home, built in 2020, represents a typical suburban residence in a continental climate. With 141m² of space, it’s a wood-frame house on a solid foundation.
Demo Focus: This site wants to test energy storage systems for heating and hot water, aiming to get these systems ready for broader use. Additional solar panels should be installed for heating support, but cooling won’t be tested, as cooling needs in this region are minimal.
CERTH Smart Home: Single-Family Home (Mediterranean Climate)
At the CERTH Smart Home Hub in Greece, this 316 m² single-family home is a prototype that hosts various research projects. The building, equipped with smart home technology, adapts to different research needs and conditions.
Demo Focus: The Greek demo will test Thermal Energy Storage (TCM) and VI-water storage for both heating and cooling. Although the current thermosiphon solar thermal setup is mainly for domestic hot water, additional solar collectors will be added to support both heating and cooling. This stored energy will be used for cooling in summer and heating in winter, demonstrating the system’s versatility in Greece’s specific climate.
These demo sites illustrate BEST-Storage’s commitment to creating energy solutions that work in a variety of building types and climates. By testing in different settings, the project hopes to develop energy storage technologies that support Europe’s shift toward more energy-efficient, sustainable buildings.