Simple technique could see excess wind energy stored as heat and converted back to electricity using a steam turbine
A new energy storage technology currently under development by Siemens is set to see excess wind energy converted to heat rocks, allowing the energy to be stored using an insulated cover.
The system consists of a fan that uses an electrically-heated air flow to heat the stones to high temperatures, with the thermal energy then converted back to electricity when needed using a steam turbine.
Related articles
The simple principle of the set-up promises to deliver a low-cost way of storing energy, Siemens said, with the only limit to the concept being the space required for the rock-filled insulated container.
The project, which has received research funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, is now operating a test system named Future Energy Solution (FES) at Hamburg-Bergedorf in Germany.
While the trial is currently only testing the thermal requirements for the storage process, Siemens said its researchers plan to test the complete energy conversion in spring of 2017 and are now establishing a large scale version of the technology on the Trimet aluminum smelter site in Hamburg-Altenwerder.
This full-size FES will be able to store around 36MWh of energy in a container holding around 2,000 cubic metres of rock and be capable of generating up to 1.5MW of output for up to 24 hours a day, Siemens said. Researchers working on the pilot expect it to generate effectiveness of around 25 per cent even in this early development phase, while the concept has the potential for an effectiveness of around 50 per cent, the firm added.
Till Barmeier, project manager at Siemens, said the complete experimental system will be operational in around 15 months. "The technology of our FES store deliberately uses mainly tried and trusted technology," he said in a statement. "Because we are working here with tested thermal components and a series-ready steam turbine, we will be able to offer a practical solution within a few years."
Siemens also revealed details this week of a new technology which reduces the noise pollution from wind turbine rotors.
The new generation of the firm's DinoTail aerodynamic blade add-on uses the same effect as the serrated, combed edge of an owl's wing which helps them to fly silently. Its development follows the original DinoTail, which had serrated edges but no combed teeth structure.
Stefan Oerlemans, an aeroacoustics expert at Siemens Wind Power, said wind tunnel measurements and field tests conducted by the firm showed the combed teeth showed a substantial reduction in turbine noise at all wind speeds. "This structure that was inspired by owl wings does not compromise the aerodynamic performance," he added.
from Home - Business Green http://ift.tt/2dtm4z3
Advertisement
Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.
