In this project we define an E-Hub as a system for capture, conversion, storage, distribution and control of energy, aiming to maximise the use of on-site renewable energy at the district level.

Capture of energy

• solar thermal collectors (sunlight → heat)
• road solar collectors    (sunlight → heat)
• photovoltaic collectors (sunlight → electricity)
• wind turbines   (wind energy → electricity)
• wave turbines  (wave energy → electricity)

Conversion of energy

• a boiler (carbon fuel → heat)
• a sorption cooler (heat → cold)
• a heat pump (electricity → heat)
• a heat pump (electricity → cold)

Transfer of energy

• a heat pump transfers heat (ground → building) for space heating in winter
• a heat pump transfers heat (building → ground) for space cooling in summer and to store thermal energy

Storage of thermal energy

• heat can be stored in water in insulated vessels
• thermal piles can be used to store heat underground
• underground thermal energy storage
• energy can be stored in thermochemical materials

Distribution of energy

• electric grid
• smart grids
• gas grid
• heat network
• cold network

Management of energy

• information grid
• control of energy capture
• control of energy conversion
• control of energy storage
• control of energy delivery
• time shifting of energy load demand to suit energy supply availability
• matching supply and demand
• energy management system

 

Electrical storage is investigated in other FP7 projects such as Euro Liion.