Home Evening Accumulated-energy with Integrated Thermal/electrical storage
The project aims to develop and validate an evening cooking system powered primarily by photovoltaic energy, with the potential integration of micro-wind generation and, subject to feasibility assessment, a low-concentration solar thermal collector.
The key challenge is to decouple daytime energy generation from evening energy use through energy storage solutions. The project will evaluate both electrical storage options—including second-life batteries from electric vehicles—and thermal storage systems based on oil or gravel, as well as a hybrid configuration combining a small electrical buffer with a larger thermal storage unit.
The low-voltage DC prototype will feature a user-friendly interface and support energy-efficient cooking methods, including pressure cooking, haybox cooking (using an insulated heat-retention container), and low-temperature slow cooking. The project will deliver technical specifications, a bill of materials, a fully functional prototype, and implementation guidelines. The Re.Te Group of Sermig (Servizio Missionario Giovani) in Turin will provide in-kind contributions to the definition of user requirements, prototype validation, and dissemination activities, while the project budget will primarily support a research fellowship and the procurement of non-capital equipment and consumable materials.
For households experiencing energy poverty or living in areas with unreliable electricity supply, the system will enable the preparation of evening meals without relying on fossil fuels or biomass. This will generate economic benefits through lower household energy costs, improve health and safety by eliminating open flames and reducing indoor air pollution, and increase household autonomy and resilience by enabling cooking even in off-grid conditions.
The potential use of second-life batteries from electric vehicles extends the operational life of existing components, reduces environmental impact, and may lower initial investment costs, subject to battery health assessment and appropriate Battery Management System (BMS) integration. A design approach centred on repairability and the use of locally available equivalent components will further support long-term adoption and economic sustainability.
The project will also generate educational benefits by actively involving students in system modelling, prototype development, testing, and technical dissemination activities.
Project’s partner
- Gruppo Re.Te. – Sermig
Project Team
- Aldo Canova (DENERG), PO
- Fabio Freschi (DENERG), PO
- Davide Paolino (DIMEAS), PO
- Laura Savoldi (DENERG), PO