Introduction to the Project innoBeLs

Development and Assessment of Innovative Container Concepts for Latent Heat Stores in Cold Solar Heating Networks

Abstract

This paper outlines the collaborative research project, entitled “innoBeLs”, the aim of which is to develop and evaluate innovative container concepts for latent heat stores in solar cold district heating networks. The project started at the beginning of 2025 and will conclude by the end of 2028. The primary focus is on the development and implementation of innovative economic and ecological container concepts forice stores. Concrete containers, which are characterized by their high cost as well as high emission and energy intensity, are by now the most widespread technology for underground ice stores with volumes between 100 m³ and 1 000 m³. These containers feature two heat exchanger coils composed of PE (polyethylene) pipes attached to aluminum profiles. In comparison, the new innovative container concepts to be developed should reduce negative environmental impacts and resource use by at least 50 percent and cut costs by at least 20 percent.