A new narrative is about to begin in renewable energy space as a South Australian company Climate Change Technologies (CCT) Energy Storage has unveiled the world’s first operational Thermal Energy Device, a battery that’s cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, with the capability of storing six times more than traditional batteries, and is completely recyclable.
What is Thermal Energy Device?
Thermal Energy Device is a modular energy storage unit that accepts any kind electricity such as surplus power from wind, solar generators or straight off the grid. The energy is stored at more than 12 times the density of a lead acid battery, before being used to power a generator to provide current.
According to CCT Energy Storage, Thermal Energy Device has similar functionality to lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries; it can take any form of electrical input and create Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). A standard Thermal Energy Device box can hold 1.2 megawatts of energy – storing it at more than 12 times the density of a lead acid battery.
The battery has a lifetime of at least 20 years and can store six times more energy than the lithium-ion equivalent for between 60percent and 80percent of the price.
Because of the modular design, the Thermal Energy Device is easily scalable by connecting multiple boxes (each one fitting in a 20ft container along with all its input and output electronics) together. In the case of a power outage, each Thermal Energy battery can remain active for around 48 hours.
Expectations
Engineering team at CCT expects the battery to be used to provide power away from existing grids, such as remote communities, telecoms networks and transport systems.
CCT Chief Executive Serge Bondarenko said Thermal Energy Device had the ability to change the global energy market by providing the most affordable and environmentally friendly alternative power source.
“We believe energy is a resource that should be accessible to all corners of the globe – and that means it’s vital to provide an energy source that’s cost effective, environmentally safe and sustainable,” Bondarenko said on the company website.
“TED is the first battery of its kind and will be a game changer in the renewables space, with the ability to significantly reduce power costs while providing versatile and long-lasting energy with little to no environmental effect.”
When is production expected to start?
The South Australian based CCT Energy Storage said production of the battery will begin immediately at the business’ Lonsdale plant as European energy partner MIBA Group will make and distribute it to Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.
The business, which is based in Lonsdale, South Australia, will supply at least 10 Thermal Energy Device units to commercial customers this year; production is expected to increase to more than 200 units by 2020.
TED’s prototype was first conceived in 2011 by a team of scientists and engineers. The company now is now working with researchers at the University of South Australia to reduce the melting point of the silicon substrate, which will further reduce the battery’s end cost.
