How can intelligent temperature monitoring contribute to efficient and grid-friendly heat storage?
The efficient use of thermal storage requires precise knowledge of the temperature distribution within the hot water storage tank. Temperature monitoring for efficient heat storage is crucial to ensure accurate charging management and to enable integration into intelligent energy and load management systems.
Conventional measurement methods often rely on only two measuring points – at the top and bottom of the tank. This results in significant measurement gaps in the middle section, making it difficult to capture the thermal stratification accurately. Consequently, the data obtained are imprecise, hindering exact control and optimal utilization of the stored energy.
In contrast, intelligent, distributed temperature monitoring with seven measuring points enables near-continuous data collection. This makes the actual temperature distribution within the thermal storage visible and provides the control system with far more detailed information for efficient charging management and optimal use of the thermal storage.
The simulation presented illustrates the thermal charging of a domestic hot water storage tank from the top and directly compares these two measurement concepts. It clearly shows that distributed temperature measurement reveals the real temperature stratification in the thermal storage.
Optimizing charging management through continuous data collection
With precise temperature data, the control system can assess state-of-charge, layer boundaries, and usable energy quantities much more accurately, dynamically or even autonomously adjusting the charging strategy. At the same time, building automation and overarching load management systems gain access to high-resolution state data. This enables optimal integration of the thermal storage into the overall system, intelligently coordinating producers, consumers, and storage.
Power-to-heat as a flexibility option in energy and load management
In the context of Power-to-Heat, precise knowledge of the storage state opens up additional flexibility potential. An energy or flexibility management system (EMS/FMS) can leverage the current charging state to control heat generation according to demand while mitigating peak electrical loads in the building or the upstream grid. Excess electrical energy can be efficiently converted into heat via integrated heating elements and temporarily stored in the thermal storage.
Standards, Smart Readiness Indicator, and European Building Strategy
Intelligent, distributed temperature monitoring integrates seamlessly with existing normative frameworks:
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DIN EN 12828 – Design of domestic hot water heating systems
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VDI 2067 – Economic evaluation of energy-consuming systems
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DIN EN ISO 52120 (formerly EN 15232) – Energy assessment of building automation and management systems
Moreover, high-resolution, continuous data collection directly contributes to the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). It strengthens a building’s ability to intelligently manage energy flows, respond flexibly to external signals, and actively utilize storage systems for efficiency, flexibility, and grid stability—fully aligned with the European building strategy and the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
Comprehensive knowledge of the temperature profile in thermal storage is the key to optimal charging management. It provides precise data for the optimal use of thermal energy, enhances the efficiency of Power-to-Heat systems, and supports intelligent integration into smart buildings and grid management. This makes the thermal storage not only energy-efficient but also an active component for the future of smart energy supply.
