The “Plants by Tools” project is developing expertise and software to improve the planning of hybrid energy supply systems for industrial process heat. The focus is on expanding the freely available simulation tool greenius, which enables different technologies to be assessed quickly and reliably. The tool is to be specifically enhanced through the use of new technologies and optimised user-friendliness.
The aim is to raise the profile of concentrating solar thermal (CST) technology for industrial applications up to 400 degrees Celsius by providing suitable simulation tools. The intention is to ensure that CST is taken into account in decarbonisation strategies, which will ultimately contribute to the heat transition.
Further development of greenius for hybrid systems
As part of the project, the softwaretool greenius is being specifically expanded to model hybrid energy systems. These include combinations of solar thermal, thermal storage, photovoltaics, heat pumps, electric heaters and backup systems. New functions make it possible to simulate and compare different system concepts within a short timeframe.
Modelling expertise and database
In addition to software development, modelling guidelines, standard parameters and reference datasets are being created. These will help both companies and other tool developers to model CST systems consistently and reliably and to integrate them into their own tools.
Collaboration with industry
The project is being carried out in close collaboration with industrial companies. Design consultancies, plant manufacturers and technology providers contribute their requirements and test the functions developed. This ensures that the results are practical and can be applied directly. Another key objective is to improve user-friendliness, with feedback from industry playing a central role in optimally tailoring the software to their needs.
The models and functions developed are tested using realistic use cases to generate and validate techno-economic results. The focus is on typical industrial process heat applications.
Planning and Integration of Solar Thermal Energy in Industry
German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)
The project provides industry with a powerful and freely accessible tool for the efficient planning and evaluation of hybrid energy systems. This enables companies to make informed decisions and identify economically optimal solutions. Furthermore, the modelling recommendations developed allow CST technology to be integrated into companies’ own software tools.
In the long term, the project will help to accelerate the use of renewable heat in industry and facilitate the integration of solar thermal energy into existing energy systems. At the same time, it lays the foundations for future commercial tools and strengthens the community in the field of solar process heat in Germany and internationally.
