Tekniker
Description :
Tekniker is a technology center that develops high value-added products and processes for different sectors using advanced technologies in manufacturing, surfaces, materials, and digitalization. We maintain a strong commitment to innovation in the energy sector and the promotion of clean energy. Our work in this sector seeks to contribute to the development of more sustainable, efficient, and resilient systems, supporting the transition toward a responsible and competitive energy model. Tekniker is recognised for its expertise in: • Energy storage and management • Concentrated solar thermal energy • Decarbonization of heating and cooling in industry, the tertiary sector, and households • Wind energy • Photovoltaic solar energy • Hydrogen Regarding Energy storage and management our experience covers: • Sector coupling and optimal management of heating, cooling and electricity services • Design and operation of hybrid plants (renewables, batteries, H2 generation) to adapt to market conditions • Development of materials, components, systems, and controls for thermal energy storage • Electrochemical characterization of new battery materials and components • Power electronics, digitalization, and big data analysis of battery sizing, operation, and degradation • Development and testing of redox flow batteries (RFB) including new RFB electrolytes free of critical materials • Battery recycling and life cycle analysis Regarding Concentrated solar thermal energy, our work has focused on • Modelling and simulation of thermo-hydraulic systems • Advanced control systems for improved operation and reduced O&M costs • Digitization of solar thermal plants (ad hoc sensors, advanced automation, big data analysis) • Development, characterization, and monitoring of heat transfer fluids and molten salts • New solar concentration systems including advanced coatings for mirrors and receivers • Integration of medium and high temperature solar heat in industrial processes
Role :
Within PowerMAX, Tekniker will coordinate activities on molten-salt thermal energy storage, a field in which it has over two decades of experience. This includes studying adaptations of an existing concentrated solar power (CSP) plant to enhance grid flexibility by integrating electrical heaters. Tekniker will develop an energy management system to optimize its operation across multiple electricity markets, along with a plant controller for the new heaters. It will also perform a techno-economic analysis for a replicability case, studying the retrofitting of a decommissioning coal power plant. In addition, Tekniker will support other WPs with its expertise in the Spanish electrical system.
Team members
Jon Martínez
Decision and Optimization Algorithm Solution Coordinator – As a researcher, my main research area is hybrid power plants, combining renewable generation, storage and hydrogen systems, and focusing on their optimal control and management. My PhD was centered on this topic, providing a strong scientific and technical foundation. Currently, I also coordinate decision-making and optimization-related solutions at Tekniker. Within the PowerMAX project, my role will be to coordinate Tekniker’s activities and develop market participation strategies for power plants based on molten-salt thermal storage.
Cristóbal Villasante
Coordinator for Renewable Energy Developments – In 1994 I started working in TEKNIKER involved in dynamic analysis for mechatronic design. During the following years participated and/or coordinated national and international projects for machine design on different sectors. From 2006 I act as coordinator for Solar Thermal projects and at 2007 I was promoted to Head of Thermal Engineering Unit. From 2013 to 2020 I focused on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants developments in TEKNIKER and coordinated CSP activities for the whole IK4 Research Alliance and was its representative at EERA. Based on this experience, I will coordinate together with Jon Martinez the activities focused on Molten Salt Storage systems.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7474-8132