Exergy3 is a pre-spin out commercialisation project of The University of Edinburgh.
The technology has the potential to solve two substantial challenges in the context of climate change. Firstly, it provides grid scale energy storage, which is required to balance renewable energy intermittency. Secondly, it provides a carbon-neutral energy source to ultra-high temperature processes, which collectively emit 46% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Problem
Our technology addresses two problems.
Firstly, renewable energy sourced from the sun, wind, waves, or tides is clean and secure. Unfortunately, the energy that can be extracted from renewables and the demand for it varies both temporally and spatially.
Secondly, ultra-high temperature processes, such as thermal power generation and several industrial processes, produce roughly 46% of the global green house gas emissions. In order to decarbonise, they need to be supplied with a clean energy source capable of providing the required heat.
Our Solution
Our technology stores green energy when it is available on the grid in excess of demand, stores it and provides it to these processes in the form of ultra-high temperature heat.
The Advantages
Up to 36 MWh storage capacity with a small footprint
Our modular thermal energy storage systems range from storing 100 kWh with a 1 sqm footprint to storing 36 MWh within the envelope of a 40-foot shipping container. This energy density exceeds other thermal storage technologies and is 8 x higher than lithium-ion batteries.
Lifetime and sustainability
Compared to batteries that have a very limited lifetime, and use rare unsustinable raw materials. Our system has a lifetime of 25-100 years and only uses cheap and abundant raw materials.
Electrical and thermal charging
The system can be charged by electricity or heat. A 67 MW connection allows to fully charge the 36 MWh module within 30 minutes.
Versatility in Application
Heat or electricity can be discharged from the system, allowing for a great variety of applications. The modules can be combined to adjust the storage capacity to the users needs.
Ultra high temperature and heat retention
The energy is stored at a ultra-high temperature. The system has industry leading heat retention. The daily losses are less than 0.6%.