Advanced Thermal Energy Storage Technology
Technology Description:
NAVITASMAX, along with their partners at Harvard University, Cornell University, and Barber-Nichols, is developing a novel thermal energy storage solution. This innovative technology is based on tuning the properties of simple and complex fluids to increase their ability to store more heat. In solar thermal storage systems, heat can be stored in NAVITASMAX's system during the day and released at night—when the sun is not shining—to drive a turbine and produce electricity. In nuclear storage systems, heat can be stored in NAVITASMAX's system at night and released to produce electricity during daytime peak-demand hours.
Potential Impact:
If successful, NAVITASMAX would develop a thermal storage solution for solar and nuclear energy systems that are significantly more efficient and cost effective than existing thermal storage solutions.
Security:
Cost-effective thermal energy storage would enable increased use of domestic energy resources like solar and nuclear—strengthening the nation's energy security.
Environment:
Cost-effective thermal energy power generation could help decrease fossil fuel-based electricity use and harmful emissions from coal-burning power plants.
Economy:
Thermal energy storage systems could make it less expensive to generate power from nuclear and renewable solar energy, which in turn could help stabilize electricity rates for consumers.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. James Klausner
Project Contact:
Kelly Herbst
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
kcherbst@msn.com
Partners
Cornell University
Nano Terra
Related Projects
Release Date:
04/20/2011