Target
Development, Construction and Operation of a novel Power-to-Heat-to-Power Energy Storage System
Background
The intensive usage of wind and solar power in the energy system leads to a growing demand for energy storage. The currently available storage technologies are expensive (batteries), have a limited development potential (hydropower) or a low power-to-power efficiency (electrolysis).
Storage Technology
The energy is stored as thermal energy in a packed bed of natural rock. Air is used as heat transfer fluid for the charging and discharging process. The conversion of electrical energy in thermal energy is done with a electric heater and a conventional steam cycle is used to regenerate electricity. For the pilot plant with an electric storage capacity of 30 MWh and a discharge power of 1,5 MW an efficiency of 25% is aimed for. Advantages of the technology are low costs, high development potential and low environmental effects.
