Thermal component activation uses existing structural masses in buildings (e.g. concrete elements) for heating and cooling purposes. Integrated piping introduces heat and cold into these elements, allowing heat or cold to be delivered to the interior spaces in contact. However, due to the inherent thermal inertia of these large, high-mass components, they could also act as a new type of energy storage by allowing them to be temporarily overheated or sub-cooled without negatively impacting the indoor climate and occupant comfort.

This storage potential can not only be used directly for thermal energy storage, but is also relevant for load management and self-consumption optimisation in the electricity sector via power-to-heat solutions (e.g. heat pumps). Thermal component activation therefore represents a large storage potential in both new construction and refurbishment, and brings unique benefits to the renewable-based, integrated energy system of the future.

ES Task 43 will provide answers to four main research areas vital for market uptake and future standardisation:

1. How can such storages be built in new construction and refurbishment?
2. How can they be operated and integrated into systems? 
3. How to do business and satisfy (end) customers and residents?
4. How to increase reliability and trust in the technology?

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