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Thermal energy storage radiatively coupled to a supercritical Rankine cycle for electric grid support

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  • Meroueh, Laureen
  • Chen, Gang

Abstract

Frequent variation in electricity demand strains power plants, thereby increasing CO2 emissions. Grid integration of intermittent renewables exacerbates this problem. Energy storage can mitigate demand fluctuations. Yet, common grid-scale storage technologies are geographically limited or prohibitively expensive. Storing electricity as heat, although thermodynamically counter-intuitive, can be cheaper and nonrestrictive. To do so, high temperatures are desired according to the second law of thermodynamics. Here, we analyze electricity storage through the phase change of solid to molten silicon and discharge the stored heat radiatively to a working fluid, allowing system flexibility. We use heat transfer analyses to determine whether radiative discharge of a thermal energy storage system to supercritical water is a viable method. Our analysis shows a system cost of $45 ± 10 per kWhe and 12-hr round-trip efficiency of ∼38%–43%. Rather than constructing additional gas-fired peaker plants to address peak loads, the proposed system can be implemented and use existing infrastructure from retired coal power plants. This approach is compatible with current power plants as well as renewable energy, providing a segue from fossil fuels to renewable energy dependent power plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Meroueh, Laureen & Chen, Gang, 2020. "Thermal energy storage radiatively coupled to a supercritical Rankine cycle for electric grid support," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 604-621.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:145:y:2020:i:c:p:604-621
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.06.036
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    Cited by:

    1. Sakai, Hiroki & Sheng, Nan & Kurniawan, Ade & Akiyama, Tomohiro & Nomura, Takahiro, 2020. "Fabrication of heat storage pellets composed of microencapsulated phase change material for high-temperature applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    2. Kawaguchi, Takahiro & Sakai, Hiroki & Sheng, Nan & Kurniawan, Ade & Nomura, Takahiro, 2020. "Microencapsulation of Zn-Al alloy as a new phase change material for middle-high-temperature thermal energy storage applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).
    3. Lechón, Yolanda & Lago, Carmen & Herrera, Israel & Gamarra, Ana Rosa & Pérula, Alberto, 2023. "Carbon benefits of different energy storage alternative end uses. Application to the Spanish case," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    4. Sánchez, Antonio & Castellano, Elena & Martín, Mariano & Vega, Pastora, 2021. "Evaluating ammonia as green fuel for power generation: A thermo-chemical perspective," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).

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