Thermal Energy Grid Storage (TEGS) Using Multi-Junction Photovoltaics (MPV)

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Program:
OPEN 2018
Award:
$1,500,000
Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/04/2019 - 02/03/2022

Technology Description:

MIT will develop critical components for a new, cost-effective, high efficiency power storage system to store renewable energy at grid scale and discharge it on demand. The system combines low-cost, very high-temperature energy storage with high-efficiency, innovative semiconductor converters used to transform heat into electricity. MIT’s technology would store heat at temperatures above 2000°C (3600°F) and convert it to electricity using specialized photovoltaic cells designed to remain efficient under the intense infrared heat a high-temperature emitter radiates. MIT will also develop several infrastructure components that will enable stable operations for long periods without any discernable loss in conversion efficiency.

Potential Impact:

The project aims to develop a grid level electricity storage system that can be used to buffer excess electricity on the grid from any source, and discharge it on demand at a later time.

Security:

Cost-effective thermal energy storage would enable increased use of varied domestic energy resources making the nation's energy supplies more diverse and less prone to disruption.

Environment:

Because CO2 emissions associated with electricity generation comprise 28% of total emissions in the U.S., increased grid-scale storage could reduce emissions by 28%, as it would enable greater use of renewables.

Economy:

MIT’s system could create a levelized storage cost that is half the price of pumped hydroelectricity—currently the cheapest storage technology available—and without geographic limitations.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Halle Cheeseman
Project Contact:
Prof. Asegun Henry
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
ase@mit.edu

Partners

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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Release Date:
12/13/2017