High-Fidelity and High-Performance Computational Simulations for Rapid Design Optimization of Sulfur Thermal Energy Storage: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-21-18129

Research output: NRELTechnical Report

Abstract

NREL and Element 16 collaborated on sulfur thermal energy storage modeling using NREL’s high performance computing (HPC) resources to assist its application in industrial processes. Industrial process heat (IPH) accounts for ~70% of US manufacturing energy use and is primarily produced by fossil fuel combustion. Approximately, 1500 TWht (~60% Terawatt hour thermal) of IPH demand is in the temperature range of 100-300?. Industrial applications in this temperature range include drying, hydrothermal processing, thermal enhanced oil recovery, food and beverage, bioethanol production, etc. Cost-effective thermal energy storage (TES) that increases the utilization of waste and renewable heat (solar, geothermal, etc.) could provide significant energy savings and reliable heat sources, decrease emissions, and increase US manufacturing competitiveness through reductions in fuel consumption. This HPC4EI project facilitated Element 16’s development of low-cost and high-impact molten sulfur TES for dispatchable IPH. The development of a high-fidelity model validated by experimental data and HPC simulations enabled the successful resolution of the complex interplay between fluid dynamics and heat transfer processes during transient operation of sulfur TES, overcoming the numerical challenges posed by the non-linear temperature-dependent physical properties of sulfur. The project helped accelerate Element 16’s molten sulfur TES product design and support its broad applications.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages24
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/TP-5700-89815

Keywords

  • CRADA
  • industry process heat
  • renewable energy integration
  • sulfur
  • thermal energy storage

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