Experimental demonstration of a latent heat storage system for dispatchable electricity

Jonathan E. Rea*, Christopher Oshman, Corey L. Hardin, Abhishek Singh, Jeff Alleman, Greg Glatzmaier, Philip A. Parilla, Michele L. Olsen, Jeff Sharp, Nathan P. Siegel, David S. Ginley, Eric S. Toberer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
56 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Modern electric grids that use intermittent renewables require energy storage to maintain reliability. Many potential solutions exist, but latent heat thermal energy storage shows particularly high potential for low cost grid scale energy storage. In this paper, we present the design and initial experimental results for a lab-scale prototype of a novel latent heat thermal storage system. This version of our prototype used 50 kg of aluminum-silicon alloy as a phase change material, and a novel valved thermosyphon concept to control heat flow from a thermal storage tank to thermoelectric generators for dispatchable electricity production. Our results validate the system: the thermal storage system was able to receive heat input, evenly distribute heat to and from the phase change material with small temperature gradients, and controllably dispatch heat to a heat engine for electricity generation on demand. With the basic principle of this technology demonstrated, our next step will be to evaluate and improve system efficiency.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSolarPACES 2017
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Conference on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems
EditorsRodrigo Mancilla, Christoph Richter
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics
ISBN (Electronic)9780735417571
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Nov 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event23rd International Conference on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, SolarPACES 2017 - Santiago, Chile
Duration: 26 Sept 201729 Sept 2017
Conference number: 23

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume2033
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference23rd International Conference on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, SolarPACES 2017
Abbreviated titleSolarPACES 2017
Country/TerritoryChile
CitySantiago
Period26/09/1729/09/17

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