Applications

Though originally designed to store energy from a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant for non-sunlit periods, the SLPI storage system can easily be adapted to store energy from wind, biomass or other electricity generation sources. Acting as a thermal battery, the storage system represents cost-effective multiple-day storage from which power can be drawn up to the storage capacity. For extended primary-power absences, the system is easily modified to a hybrid system with the addition of gas-fired heat.

The thermal energy produced by our system also lends itself to providing high temperature process heat for a number of applications including refining, petrochemical, hydrogen production, coal to liquids and, infield oil sands/shale oil production.

Electricity Generation

When used to generate electricity, the system waste stream is ~150 °C with a power level ~50% above the turbine power rating, typically several MW(t).  This is readily available for other applications, with the proviso that they not produce an unacceptable back-pressure on the turbine exhaust.

Heat Source

If the tank is used as a dedicated heat source, the temperature can range up to the 800 °C tank temperature, either/both by controlled down-blending of the heated air stream or by redesign of the heat exchanger.  The power level can range up to ~15 MW(t) with the operating time varying accordingly, but at full level typically 10 hrs.