Conference paper: Simulation-based design of world’s largest cavern thermal energy storage: Optimization of VARANTO

Authors: Abdulrahman Dahash (AIT), Fabrizia Giordano (AIT), Kimmo Korhonen (GTK), Sami Vallin (GTK), Kahti Ahlqvist (GTK) and Markku Hagström (GTK)

The paper “Simulation based design of world’s largest cavern thermal energy storage: Optimization of VARANTO” is highly relevant to INTERSTORES, as it demonstrates how large-scale underground thermal energy storage (UTES) can be designed, optimized, and integrated into district heating systems. Using COMSOL Multiphysics, the authors developed a thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) model to simulate charging/discharging, stratification, heat losses, groundwater interactions, and rock stability, enabling optimized cavern geometry and layout. This methodology aligns directly with INTERSTORES’ goals of deploying, demonstrating, and replicating seasonal thermal energy storage across Europe. The study also addresses mechanical and geotechnical risks, offering transferable strategies for safe and efficient UTES deployment. Overall, the paper provides a replicable framework for modelling, optimization, and integration of underground storage, supporting INTERSTORES’ objectives in performance improvement, risk mitigation, stakeholder dissemination, and accelerating adoption of sustainable district heating solutions

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Conference paper: Simulation-based design of world’s largest cavern thermal energy storage: Optimization of VARANTO

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