Sustainable Energy Systems

In the course of the Minor in Sustainable Technology, I collaborated as part of a multidisciplinary team to enhance the energy efficiency of the Raaphorst family house on Texel. Our primary goal was to help the family transition towards self-sufficiency in energy generation and storage while staying within their budget constraints. The project allowed us to apply durable systems thinking in a real-world context, directly contributing to the reduction of the household’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The family’s traditional farmhouse had significant energy losses, notably from its old windows and heating system. We began by conducting an in-depth analysis using a thermal imaging camera to identify where the home was losing heat. This led us to recommend comprehensive improvements including replacing single-pane windows with HR++ glass, which provided notable energy savings and improved comfort with a return on investment within seven years.

A particularly innovative aspect of our project was exploring the potential of Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) to further improve the energy efficiency of the Raaphorst family house. STES represents an exciting frontier in sustainable energy solutions, where excess heat collected during the warmer months is stored for use during the colder seasons. This approach not only maximizes the use of renewable energy sources like solar but also provides a significant opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependency year-round.

The concept involves using an exothermic reaction between water and salt hydrates to store heat without significant energy loss over time. Unlike traditional water tanks that can only store thermal energy for short periods, STES offers long-term storage with a much smaller volume, thanks to its higher energy density and unique chemical storage process. We suggested keeping an eye on STES developments, as it could become an efficient, practical addition to the household once the technology reaches commercial viability.