Engineering and Construction Management Support
Thermal energy storage (TES) systems typically use a fluid or solid medium to store heat that can later be converted into electricity. TES is ideal for energy generated through pumped heat, compressed air, concentrated solar power or molten salt.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is developing science and engineering solutions for thermal energy storage applications spanning several technologies. Our thermal energy storage research integrates chemistry, electrical, fluids and mechanical engineering for grids and industrial applications such as:
Storing Solar With Thermal Energy
Heat from CSP power plants can be stored and later converted to electricity. SwRI is developing several thermal energy storage solutions inclduding:
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Energy Storage
- Supercritical Transformational Electric Power Pilot Plant
- Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Systems
Molten Salt Energy Storage
The Microencapsulation group developed phase-change chemicals that retain heat in molten salt energy storage to extend output at CSP plants. Learn more at Encapsulation of High Temperature Molten Salts or read Delaying the Sunset in Technology Today.
Contact James Oxley or call +1 210 522 2913 for more information.
Related Technologies
From electro-chemical to mechanical and pumped storage hydropower, SwRI is helping government and industry to develop advanced energy storage solutions.