PATCH: Plasma Assisted Thermo-CHemical energy storage for Carnot batteries
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Renewable energy generation as well as the electrification of both transportation (via electric vehicles) and space heating (via heat pumps) are regarded as the key enablers to achieve a net-zero circular economy by 2050. The Prime Minister's Ten Point Plan (November 2020) has set an ambition to grow the installation of electric heat pumps from 30,000 per year to 600,000 per year by 2028. However, the radical and complete replacement of fossil fuels (mainly natural gas for the UK) with renewable for heating will lead to significant 'capability wastes': (1) up to 150GW renewable electricity generation capacity will be mostly idle in other seasons rather than winter if superabundant renewable generation capacity was installation without inter-seasonal storage; (2) about 44GW conventional heat-to-power electricity generation capacity as well as the related infrastructure would be 'wasted' due to lack of carbon-free fuels. The 'waste' heat-to-power generation capacity is sufficient to meet the UK's electricity generation for heating in winters, considering their much higher load factor than renewable generation.
One promising approach to tackle these challenges is the so-called 'Carnot Battery' technology, which is a grid-scale system primarily used to store electric energy with three key processes: transforming electricity into heat, storing the heat in inexpensive storage media, and then transforming the heat back to electricity when required. The 'Carnot Battery' is regarded as an emerging technology for the inexpensive and site-independent storage of electrical energy by turning the conventional power plants into grid-scale energy storage plants. However, current R&D efforts using this technology adopt either sensible thermal storage or latent heat storage and therefore are only suitable for short duration applications (e.g., daily/weekly energy management) due to unavoidable self-discharge (heat loss/dissipation).
The overall aim of this project is to develop a novel and cost-effective metal oxides redox based thermochemical heat storage technology through the recovery of metallic material wastes, which enables the flexible capture of waste renewable electricity, as well as the timely power generation using otherwise retired thermal power plants. The whole process can realise the concept of 'Carnot Batteries' which could provide both short-term balancing and long-term inter-seasonal services to the grid.
One promising approach to tackle these challenges is the so-called 'Carnot Battery' technology, which is a grid-scale system primarily used to store electric energy with three key processes: transforming electricity into heat, storing the heat in inexpensive storage media, and then transforming the heat back to electricity when required. The 'Carnot Battery' is regarded as an emerging technology for the inexpensive and site-independent storage of electrical energy by turning the conventional power plants into grid-scale energy storage plants. However, current R&D efforts using this technology adopt either sensible thermal storage or latent heat storage and therefore are only suitable for short duration applications (e.g., daily/weekly energy management) due to unavoidable self-discharge (heat loss/dissipation).
The overall aim of this project is to develop a novel and cost-effective metal oxides redox based thermochemical heat storage technology through the recovery of metallic material wastes, which enables the flexible capture of waste renewable electricity, as well as the timely power generation using otherwise retired thermal power plants. The whole process can realise the concept of 'Carnot Batteries' which could provide both short-term balancing and long-term inter-seasonal services to the grid.
Organisations
Publications
Borri E
(2022)
Phase Change Slurries for Cooling and Storage: An Overview of Research Trends and Gaps
in Energies
Chaomurilige
(2023)
Numerical Study of a High-Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Device with AlSi12 Alloy
in Energies
Li W
(2022)
Heat transfer enhancement of twisted tape inserts in supercritical carbon dioxide flow conditions based on CFD and vortex kinematics
in Thermal Science and Engineering Progress
Liang T
(2023)
Liquid air energy storage technology: a comprehensive review of research, development and deployment
in Progress in Energy
Liang T
(2022)
Key components for Carnot Battery: Technology review, technical barriers and selection criteria
in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Wang Y
(2023)
Heat transfer characteristics of near-pseudocritical nitrogen in vertical small tubes-a new empirical correlation
in International Journal of Thermal Sciences
Widijatmoko S
(2024)
Recycling of enamelled copper wire from end-of-life electric motor via room temperature methanolysis
in Resources, Environment and Sustainability
| Description | We have successfully developed new synthesis routes to fabricate hollow copper oxide particles which offer very high energy density during the redox reaction. |
| Exploitation Route | A general methodology for the fabrication of hollow particles which can be used for other thermochemical heat storage technologies. |
| Sectors | Energy |
| Description | ColdSpark driven energy and cost-efficient methane cracking for hydrogen production |
| Amount | £430,645 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10038857 |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 11/2025 |
| Description | Decentralised Ammonia production from Renewable Energy utilising novel sorption-enhanced plasma-catalytic Power-to-X technology |
| Amount | £492,547 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10055396 |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | Decentralised Ammonia production from Renewable Energy utilising novel sorption-enhanced plasmacatalytic Power-to-X technology |
| Amount | € 2,380,800 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 101083905 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | Development of functional porous particulates for green ammonia production |
| Amount | £200,217 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/X018253/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 12/2024 |
| Description | Research on Hydroxide-Based Thermochemical Energy Storage Technology |
| Amount | € 329,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | Global Energy Interconnection Research Institute Europe GmbH |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 12/2022 |
| End | 11/2024 |
| Title | Plasma-driven thermochemical reaction testing system |
| Description | A small experimental apparatus has been constructed and well-instrumented. It can be used to test different reduction reactions of metal oxides. The experimental apparatus has been designed to enable different gas plasma and different reactor types to be assembled. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This experimental apparatus has become an important facility for further research in thermochemical energy storage and synthetic fuel production. |
| Description | Eurotherm Seminar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The Eurotherm Seminar on "Innovative Solutions for Thermal Energy Storage Deployment," held in Lleida, Spain, from May 24th to 26th, 2023, marked a significant milestone for the field of thermal energy storage (TES). Hosted by Prof. Luisa F. Cabeza and the GREiA research team at the University of Lleida, this event served as a dynamic convergence point for professionals and researchers. https://eurotherm.udl.cat/ The seminar facilitated a vibrant exchange of ideas and insights among experts from academia and industry, highlighting the latest TES advancements. These innovations encompassed storage materials, pioneering configurations, applications in renewable energy systems, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the seminar addressed critical social, environmental, and educational dimensions within the TES landscape. Throughout the event, diverse approaches were presented, ranging from theoretical models and numerical simulations to practical experiments. This integrated approach provided attendees with a profound comprehension of TES, spanning from material characterization to the intricate design and implementation of complete thermal energy storage systems. Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) made substantial contributions to the seminar. Their active participation included oral and poster presentations, along with industrial project workshops. BCES made remarkable contributions to the seminar, displaying our dedication to advancing TES. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | School visit (China) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | In Nov 2023, I had the opportunity to share my research on plasma technology for net zero and climate change with first-year students (equivalent to A Level students) at Xiaoshi High School in Ningbo, China. My goal was to ignite their curiosity about this promising technology and its potential to address the challenges of climate change. During the talk, I discussed the role plasma technology can play in various areas, such as CO2 conversion and cleaner energy production. I also explained how my research is contributing to these advancements. To support the students' understanding, I provided them with a number of videos and further resources for exploration. While it's still early to measure the long-term impact of this talk, it was encouraging to see the students' enthusiasm and their thoughtful questions during the Q&A session. This engagement suggests that sparking their interest in science and technology, particularly in the fight against climate change, was a positive outcome of the activity. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | School visit (Liverpool) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | We organised an interactive plasma session in a secondary school - UTC Life Sciences in Feb 2023 (around 20 Year 12 students). The activities include a short presentation on climate change and plasma technology, plasma ball demonstration, 3 parallel interactive sessions (Hydrogen-powered RC car, Brainstorm: Barriers to electric cars, Interact with the Plasma ball), a short presentation on our research and a virtual lab tour. The event aimed to ignite their curiosity about science and technology through a variety of interactive activities. Students gained valuable insights into how plasma science can play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future. These activities potentially sparked an interest in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Smart Energy Innovation Showcase 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Over 250 participants from energy, academia, and policymaking sectors gathered to explore innovations in flexibility and storage. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Symposium on Clean Energy and Industrial Decarbonisation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | On August 24-25, 2023, the "Symposium on Clean Energy and Industrial Decarbonisation" unfolded as a resounding success at the esteemed University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. This pivotal event was conceived and orchestrated by the Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) at the University of Birmingham. Significantly, the symposium embraced a hybrid format, offering both in-person participation and online synchronous broadcasting via the VOOV Meeting platform. The symposium drew a diverse and engaged audience, with approximately 50 attendees from various universities in both China and the UK gracing the event in person. An additional 50-plus experts and researchers joined the proceedings remotely through the online broadcasts. The symposium's formal inauguration commenced with an insightful opening address delivered by Professor Yongliang Li, the Deputy Director of BCES, marking the outset of two days filled with illuminating discussions and knowledge sharing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |