Date: Tuesday, July 07, 2026

Time: 13:30 – 17:30

Location: Building 102, Room 01-012, Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 102, 79110 Freiburg

This mini workshop aims to identify open research questions and explore opportunities for a joint research proposal on Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES). The discussion will focus on optimization-based operation and control strategies for STES systems, enabling the efficient integration of renewable heat sources into future energy systems. By storing surplus thermal energy generated during summer and utilizing it in winter, STES can significantly increase the share of renewable heat while improving system flexibility, efficiency, and resilience. 

Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Moritz Diehl, University of Freiburg
  The role of STES in the heating sector of the future
• Jaßper Weichmann, Fraunhofer IEG
  Operational optimization of a geothermal probe storage tank for industrial cooling. Challenges and approaches from our practical experience
• Wonsun Song, greenventory GmbH
  From Municipal Heat Planning to Simulation and Control of Heating Systems with Seasonal Heat Storage
• Manuel Kollmar, Hochschule Karlsruhe, University of Freiburg
  Optimal operation of a fifth-generation district heating and cooling network with seasonal ice storage via nonsmooth model predictive control: a real-network case study

Preliminary Timetable: