FutureBay Low Temperature Thermal Battery for Electricity
Temperature
Most thermal batteries depend on high temperatures, often ranging from hundreds to a thousand degrees Celsius, to attain satisfactory electrical round-trip storage efficiencies. Operating at such temperatures presents considerable safety, cost, and life cycle challenges.
FutureBay, however, operates at low temperatures while still achieving round-trip efficiencies (RTE) comparable to those of Li-ion batteries. The innovative intellectual property developed by FutureBay is distinct in its ability to reach this level of performance.
FutureBay Process
We employ standard refrigeration equipment, such as a heat pump, to establish a cold store slightly below water's freezing point, and solar thermal panels to generate a hot store just under water's boiling point. Typically, it would be challenging to attain an RTE similar to Li-ion batteries with this setup; however, our novel intellectual property enables us to achieve an RTE in excess of 80%.
FutureBay Benefits
- The FutureBay system is inherently safe, operating without high temperatures or pressures and free from toxic or environmentally harmful materials. Its storage medium is water, which remains unconsumed.
- The system's performance does not degrade over time or through numerous operating cycles, boasting a lifespan of 30 years. It offers low capital and lifecycle costs; a recent study with a major Italian energy utility revealed a levelized cost of storage (LCOS) that is half that of lithium-ion batteries.
- The system does not have an expensive end of life decommissioning cost as the storage medium is water that can be repurposed.
- This system is especially well-suited for warm, sunny regions and is poised to significantly address the "Duck Curve" issue in these areas.
IChemE Global Awards Highly Commended Winner
FutureBay and our engineering partner, Otto Simon, were awarded Highly Commended in both the Energy and Sustainability categories.