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Performance of firebrick resistance-heated energy storage for industrial heat applications and round-trip electricity storage

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  • Stack, Daniel C.
  • Curtis, Daniel
  • Forsberg, Charles

Abstract

In the absence of an affordable and deployable energy storage option, the intermittency of renewable energy creates mismatches in supply and demand that limit the viability of a low-carbon electricity grid. High temperature electrically-heated thermal energy storage (E-TES) is a largely unexplored approach to alleviating the problem of low-value renewable energy. Evaluated herein is one E-TES concept, called Firebrick Resistance-Heated Energy Storage (FIRES), that stores electricity as sensible high-temperature heat (1000–1700 °C) in ceramic firebrick, and discharges it as a hot airstream to either (1) heat industrial plants in place of fossil fuels, or (2) regenerate electricity in a power plant. FIRES storage media and heater options are reviewed, and discharge cycling is simulated with Crank-Nicolson finite difference schemes and evaluated over the parameter design space. We report that systems of 100–1000 s MWh may be cycled daily, and discharged at a constant heat rate typically for 70–90% of the storage capacity. Traditional insulation can reasonably limit heat leakage to less than 3% per day. Preliminary cost estimates indicate a system cost near $10/kWh, substantially less expensive than batteries. Northwestern Iowa market analysis shows payback within 2 years and economic profitability.

Suggested Citation

  • Stack, Daniel C. & Curtis, Daniel & Forsberg, Charles, 2019. "Performance of firebrick resistance-heated energy storage for industrial heat applications and round-trip electricity storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C), pages 782-796.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:242:y:2019:i:c:p:782-796
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.03.100
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