Thermochemical energy: development of battery prototypes and storage materials

R&D Focus Areas:
Hydrides, Energy systems integration, Heat storage

Lead Organisation:
Curtin University

Funding:
Future Energy Exports CRC (PhD Project)

Status:
Active

Start date:
January 2022

Completion date:
2024

Project summary description:
The project’s main objective is to build a battery prototype using 3 kg of calcite enhanced with corundum as the storage material, with an integrated heat extraction unit. The reversible thermochemical reaction with metal carbonates consists of an endothermic decomposition forming a metal oxide and releasing carbon dioxide gas, which is stored separately. When the gas is reinjected into the system, an exothermic reaction occurs, reforming the initial metal carbonate. It is crucial to combine a heat extraction unit with the battery reactor to run the heat engine ensuring the produced heat conversion into electricity. Thus, the storage system could integrate into the power production grid.

Additives, such as corundum, are used to catalyse the reaction and improve the cycling capacity of the storage system. Part of the research includes the study of metal hydrides, that have been identified as potential storage materials for thermochemical batteries. The development of metal hydrides will have a significant impact on hydrogen storage and utilisation, helping the conversion of the energy sector.

Further information:
https://www.fenex.org.au/connect/

 

September 2024