Hybrid Thermal-Electrical StorageThis is a PhD research project in Mechanical/Energy Engineering.

The proposed project will develop a thermal-electrical energy store which can be charged independently, depending on the available resource. The project will primarily focus on the storage of excess energy produced from renewable energy sources feeding the grid. Other sources, such as solar thermal, solar PV, biomass, and waste heat from industry processes could also feed the hybrid energy store. By combining the two types of battery, the PCM heat battery can be used to harness "waste heat" generated on the charge/discharge of the electrical batteries; this will also have the effect of protecting the electrical battery from overheating.