Particle-based thermal energy storage systems
Methods and devices for long-duration electricity storage using low-cost thermal energy storage and high-efficiency power cycle, are disclosed. In some embodiments it has the potential for superior long-duration, low-cost energy storage.
1. A system for thermal energy storage using a plurality of particles, the system comprising:
a first heat exchanger configured to facilitate a storage of a thermal energy in the particles;
a silo configured to store the particles;
a second heat exchanger configured to facilitate a transfer of the thermal energy between the particles and a working fluid; and
a means for facilitating a conversion of the thermal energy from the working fluid to a mechanical energy or electrical energy; wherein:
the first heat exchanger is positioned within the silo,
the first heat exchanger is configured to remove heat from the particles,
the silo comprises a heat sink, and
the second heat exchanger is configured to remove heat from the working fluid.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the means for facilitating a conversion comprises a turbine.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the particles are configured to leave the first heat exchanger at a temperature of approximately 1170° C.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein:
the first heat exchanger comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements,
the plurality of resistive heating elements are configured to use electrical energy to heat the particles.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein:
the resistive heating elements are configured to operate at a temperature greater than 1200° C.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the first heat exchanger is configured to receive the thermal energy from a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant to transfer to the particles.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the second heat exchanger comprises a fluidized bed heat exchanger.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein:
the working fluid is configured to leave the second heat exchanger at a temperature of approximately 1170° C.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the turbine comprises a shaft,
the shaft is configured to convert the mechanical energy to an electrical energy.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the particles comprise at least one of concrete, gravel, rock, ash, silica, alumina, titania, or clay.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the working fluid comprises an inert gas.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein:
the inert gas comprises at least one of air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a noble gas.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the working fluid comprises a water.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the water is substantially in the vapor phase.