Electric-Thermal Energy Storage Using Solid Particles as Storage Media

A particle ETES system stores off-peak electricity as thermal energy and later dispatches high-value electricity on peak demand. This article introduces the particle ETES development, including novel components and power generation systems capable of supporting grid-scale LDES. A particle ETES system using inert, inexpensive (30$-40$/Ton) solid particles can store a large capacity of energy at high operating temperatures to drive high-performance power cycles for high electric storage efficiencies. Particle ETES systems are expected to have significantly lower capital costs than chemical or electrochemical energy storage methods such as hydrogen or lithium-ion batteries, and have siting flexibility relative to mechanical storage methods that rely on geological formations such as reservoirs for PSH or caverns for compressed air energy storage (CAES). Additionally, a particle TES system integrated with VRE can supply heat for buildings or industrial processes to displace fossil fuels for broad decarbonization.