Release
EnergyNest has developed an entirely new type of energy storage in its Thermal Energy Storage (TES) solution with an efficiency rate of over 95 per cent. The basis for this innovative storage technology is the special concrete HEATCRETE®, which can store large amounts of thermal energy over a long period of time with little heat loss. Compared to other industrial heat accumulators, the EnergyNest solution is a highly modular, long-lasting, reliable system which can be installed and maintained at an affordable price. The EnergyNest storage system represents the missing link in renewable energy development, which will allow renewable sources to be used more efficiently in the future.
The core of the EnergyNest heat storage system consists of a steel pipe frame, which is enclosed in the special concrete HEATCRETE®. Steam or thermal oil is conducted through the pipes, thus heating up the concrete. The system’s special make-up allows it to absorb large quantities of heat energy and store it over a long period of time (> 3 hours) with little energy loss (1 % per day). The patented HEATCRETE® was developed by Professor Pål Bergan, the company’s CTO and one of the founders of EnergyNest, in cooperation with HeidelbergCement.
The TES achieves its top efficiency rate during a medium or long storage period of over three hours. In addition to high efficiency and a lengthy storage period, the TES also impresses due its modular system. A single storage module can hold 1 MWh. If more energy is required, the system can be extended to include additional modules and thus absorb several GWh of energy. The TES is very reasonably priced at just a tenth of what comparable battery systems cost. Inexpensive materials such as steel and concrete are used in its structure. This allows the storage system to be built directly on site in many locations, meaning it does not need to be shipped over long distances. As the storage system does not contain any moving parts, it can be easily maintained with no need for specially trained staff. Overheads are thus up to 75 per cent lower than for other heat accumulators. The TES is also extremely durable with a service life of at least 50 years and no signs of wear.
The EnergyNest heat storage system can be combined with different energy generation and distribution system types, such as concentrated solar power (CSP), waste heat to power (WHP), power to heat (P2H) and electric heat energy storage systems for renewable energies. The solution also allows the energy produced to be used in the long term and is ideal for balancing fluctuations in energy supply and demand. A simple, affordable, safe industrial storage system to use renewable energies simply hasn’t existed until now. EnergyNest has managed to provide the missing link in energy supply with its new storage solution.