Next Generation Car Thermal energy storage systems: Power-to-Heat concept in solid media storage for high storage densities

Kurzfassung

The German Aerospace Center has merged a wide range of technological research and development for future cars in a project called “Next Generation Car”. Within this large research project three vehicle concepts for different applications (urban, regional and interurban) and with different powertrains (fuel-cell, battery and hybrid) will be developed. Research questions on different levels from conceptual question about vehicle modularity down to detailed technological aspects like combining hydrogen storage with cabin climatisation and a systematic investigation of different thermal energy storage systems for electrical vehicles concepts are covered by this project. To the latter, the contribution shows an overview about three thermal storage technologies - sensible solid media, metallic latent and thermochemical thermal energy storage systems - and details about the development of an electrical heated (power-to-heat) solid media storage system to achieve high storage densities and to allow flexible thermal discharging values. Central works target the identification of suitable thermal management solutions in future electric vehicle concepts to increase range, efficiency and flexibility.