Integrated Control of Hybrid Thermochemical–PCM Storage for Renewable Heating and Cooling Systems in a Smart House
The development of integrated renewable energy and high-density thermal energy storage systems has been fueled by the need for environmentally friendly heating and cooling in buildings. In this paper, MiniStor, a hybrid thermochemical and phase-change material storage system, is presented. It is equipped with a heat pump, advanced electronics-enabled control, photovoltaic–thermal panels, and flat-plate solar collectors. To optimize energy flows, regulate charging and discharging cycles, and maintain operational stability under fluctuating solar irradiance and building loads, the system utilizes state-of-the-art power electronics, variable-frequency drives and modular multi-level converters. The hybrid storage is safely, reliably, and efficiently integrated with building HVAC requirements owing to a multi-layer control architecture that is implemented via Internet of Things and SCADA platforms that allow for real-time monitoring, predictive operation, and fault detection. Data from the MiniStor prototype demonstrate effective thermal–electrical coordination, controlled energy consumption, and high responsiveness to dynamic environmental and demand conditions. The findings highlight the vital role that digital control, modern electronics, and Internet of Things-enabled supervision play in connecting small, high-density thermal storage and renewable energy generation. This strategy demonstrates the promise of electronics-driven integration for next-generation renewable energy solutions and provides a scalable route toward intelligent, robust, and effective building energy systems.
Authors
- Dimosthenis Ioannidis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5747-2186)
- Panteleimon Bakalis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6838-458X)
- Paschalis A. Gkaidatzis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4444-5370)
- Απόστολος Γκούντας (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5278-4738)
- Nikolaos Nikolopoulos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5550-456X)
- Dimitrios Tzovaras (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6915-6722)
- Ana González
- Georgios Martinopoulos
- Luis Jimeno
- Nikolaos Tarsounas
- George Meramveliotakis
Institutions
- Universidad de Valladolid (ES)
- University of Piraeus (GR)
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (GR)
- Merchant Marine Academy (GR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Electronics
- Published
- 2026-01-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15020279
- Primary Topic
- Phase Change Materials Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission