What is SUNSON?

SUNSON aims to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of a modular and highly compact solution for Solar to Heat to Power conversion, called the SUNSON-BOX. It is a disruptive concept combining into a single system concentrated solar power technologies for power generation by means of thermophotovoltaic energy converters and ultra-high-temperature thermal storage based on phase change materials at a temperature range over 1200°C. The solution provides electricity on demand from a thermal source, and as a secondary supply to be used in industrial heat processes, hot tap water or indoor heating. This allows the integration of renewable energy technologies (directly using solar energy) into a unique storage and energy generation system, providing a flexible solution for power dispatchability and ease of coupling with intermittent renewable energy sources. For this purpose, it will be supported by the SUNSON-TOOL, to optimise the design and increase the replicability of this innovative technology. SUNSON project will become the flagship demonstration at laboratory scale (TRL4).