Search is on for cheaper storage solutions

A new Australian research program is looking to develop new materials that could reduce the volume of storage systems for solar thermal energy by a factor of 10, and deliver a significant reduction in costs.

Most of the storage systems being rolled out for solar thermal systems in Spain and elsewhere have used some form of molten salt, but a project being led by the University of South Australia is looking to exploit so-called “phase change” materials that can operate at higher temperatures, and either store more heat within the same volume, or require significantly less space.

Project leader Professor Wasim Saman, from the department of sustainable energy engineering at the University of South Australia, said his team was likely to look at a number of different materials, including inorganic salts. Professor Saman and his team are looking at a number of potential materials that can freeze and melt at 400°C to 800°C. In order to test these materials, a specialised test facility will be built which will be able to accommodate storage systems operating at temperatures up to 900°C. The team hopes to improve the economics of the storage system through the experimentation with heat storage through the change of phase from solid to liquid and vice versa.

Source and Read More 

If you want to know more about this and other topics directly from end users of energy storage technologies join us at one of these annual events: The Energy Storage World Forum (Grid Scale Applications), or The Residential Energy Storage Forum, or one of our Training Courses.

LATEST ARTICLES

Ultracapacitor UPS (U-UPS) for voltage dips and micro-interruptions

Power interruptions are the most frequent power supply problems with wide-ranging consequences for industry. The causes of these interruptions include short-circuits in the distribution grid, lightning strikes, the connection and disconnection of power plants as well as volatile energy producers such as wind and solar. Because technologies and production processes are becoming increasingly complex, the…

Read More

Energy Storage Systems: the role of an Integrator

Simplifying BESS deployments by mastering their associated risks With the introduction of Battery Energy Storage Systems ‘BESS’, a new role has been created on the value chain. It is the role of a BESS integrator. The role of an integrator can be misunderstood at times or blended with other roles at other times. This is…

Read More

Battery Storage for Commercial & Industry

Powerful battery storage offers many advantages in terms of saving electricity costs and a reliable power supply. With this technology, companies retain control of their energy supply and costs. The battery storage system is charged when energy is cheaply available and it supplies the stored electricity when prices are at their highest. With applications such…

Read More

★REVIEWS

“Probably the most interactive and well organized storage event on the calendar.”

★★★★★

Sales Director, S&C

“Great topics, competent speakers, good networking: keep it like that.”

★★★★★

TLC & SCADA Manager, FRI-EL

“High scientific content, well targeted, perfect organization.”

★★★★★

Expert Technical & Governance, Elia

Excellent networking event. The sponsorship was well worth it.”

★★★★★

Manager, ATL

View More

x