Session: 03-02: High Temperature Thermal Storage

Paper Number: 132111

132111 - Particle: A Moving Particle Thermal Energy Storage Demonstration 

Abstract: 

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has embarked on a $4M project to demonstrate a next generation long duration energy storage (LDES) technology that presents low-cost, low carbon footprint, and many positive community impacts. The project, named PARTICLE, centers around a novel bidirectional electricity moving particle thermal energy storage (MPTES) system. The demonstration, which will be integrated into the Gen 3 Particle Pilot Plant (G3P3) under construction at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF), will possess a 100 kWe power rating and capability to discharge the rated power for up to 15 hours. At its core, MPTES technology operates by converting electrical energy into thermal energy and storing it efficiently in ultra-low-cost particle material. The stored thermal energy is then converted back into electrical energy using a power cycle, such as an advanced supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton cycle.

The objectives of the PARTICLE demonstration are:

1)      Increase technology readiness level (TRL) of the electric-to-electric (E2E) system from TRL 4 to 6

2)      Assess the reliability and resiliency of the system in a front-of-meter application

3)      Simulate real-world conditions where excess wind and solar energy is used to thermally charge the TES

4)      De-risk investment for commercial developers to achieve 5–10-year commercial deployment

5)      Provide robust data sets via the Rapid Operational Validation Initiative (ROVI) for model validation and future technology development.

Prior to receiving the award, SNL conducted a thorough analysis of MPTES technology, confirming its potential as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and community beneficial LDES solution. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) forecasts that the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) for a 100 MW x 10 hr system could be ≤ $0.12/kWhe. This cost is notably lower than that of existing Lithium-ion batteries and other commercial thermal energy storage technologies

Moreover, MPTES technology distinguishes itself with a significantly lower carbon footprint. Life cycle analysis (LCA) indicates that the MPTES system could produce 3-4 times less lifetime CO2 equivalent emissions compared to lithium-ion batteries, marking it as an advantageous option for decarbonization strategies.

The community impacts of MPTES are equally noteworthy. It has potential to uphold traditional power generation jobs, tapping into existing workforces while enhancing the health, safety, and resilience of communities affected by high pollution. Additionally, commercial deployment of MPTES technology aligns with the Justice 40 initiative, aiming to extend the benefits of clean energy to underserved communities.

In summary, the PARTICLE project will serve as a significant advancement of MPTES technology, advancing the technology readiness level to promote commercialization of the LDES technology within the next 5-10 years. 

Presenting Author: Luke McLaughlin Sandia National Laboratories

Presenting Author Biography: Luke is a R&D Mechanical Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. His areas of research include thermal energy storage, concentrated solar thermal technologies, and biomass pyrolysis & gasification. Luke received his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

Authors:

Luke McLaughlin Sandia National Laboratories