Economic Long-Duration Electricity Storage by Using Low-Cost Thermal Energy Storage and High-Efficiency Power Cycle

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Program:
DAYS
Award:
$2,791,595
Location:
Golden, Colorado
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
04/16/2019 - 09/30/2022
Website:

Technology Description:

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory team will develop a high-temperature, low-cost thermal energy storage system using a high-performance heat exchanger and Brayton combined-cycle turbine to generate power. Electric heaters will heat stable, inexpensive solid particles to temperatures greater than 1100°C (2012°F) during charging, which can be stored in insulated silos for several days. To discharge the system, the hot particles will be fed through the fluidized bed heat exchanger, heating a working fluid to drive the gas turbine attached to a generator. The electricity storage system is designed to be deployed economically anywhere in the United States.

Potential Impact:

If successful, DAYS projects will provide new forms of long-duration stationary electricity storage systems that enhance grid resiliency, provide low-cost energy capacity, support grid infrastructure, and enable a greater share of intermittent renewable resources in the generation mix.

Security:

Long-duration storage can help prevent blackouts and smooth overall grid operation, improving resilience and enhancing grid security.

Environment:

New, extended storage options could enable greater integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, greatly reducing emissions from the power sector.

Economy:

Energy storage technologies could help improve grid efficiency and promote the growth of domestic renewable energy sources.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Halle Cheeseman
Project Contact:
Dr. Zhiwen Ma
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
Zhiwen.Ma@nrel.gov

Partners

Colorado School of Mines

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Release Date:
05/01/2018