Imagine a solar plant that doesn't just use mirrors to heat water, but uses a special ceramic 'sponge' to soak up and store heat chemically. This sponge can then release that heat at much higher temperatures than current systems, acting like a turbo-charger for electricity generation. It allows the plant to keep producing power efficiently even after the sun goes down.
Current CSP plants are limited by low efficiency (30-40%) and low-temperature storage (max 560°C), making them less competitive than cheap PV panels. There is a critical need for higher temperature cycles and denser energy storage to enable 24/7 carbon-neutral power.
A compact, dual-bed thermochemical reactor/heat exchanger using porous ceramic structures (honeycombs or foams) based on perovskite redox oxides.
If you are a plant operator dealing with low conversion efficiencies of 30-40% — this project developed a thermochemical heat exchanger that enables air-Brayton cycles to reach efficiencies of 53%. This makes solar power more competitive against low-cost PVs.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with the need for high-temperature industrial components — this project developed porous ceramic structures based on perovskite redox oxides. These materials can handle temperatures between 850–1000°C for energy storage and transfer.
If you are a utility provider dealing with the intermittency of solar energy — this project developed a hybrid sensible-thermochemical storage system. This increases the volumetric energy storage density, allowing for more reliable 24/7 power supply.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not mentioned, but the project utilizes low-cost, abundant, and non-toxic metals for the perovskite structures to keep material costs down.
The project aims to demonstrate the concept at a proof-of-concept level using a compact, dual-bed reactor. It is not yet at full industrial scale.
Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding the licensing model or patent status of the redox oxide structures.
It replaces or upgrades current sensible-only regenerative storage systems into hybrid sensible-thermochemical storage units within the same storage volume.
The project period runs from 2022-11-01 to 2026-10-31, indicating that the proof-of-concept phase is ongoing through 2026.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, featuring 11 partners across 5 countries. With an industry ratio of 45% (including 5 industrial partners and 2 SMEs), the project has strong commercial ties. The mix of 5 research centers and 1 university ensures the fundamental science of perovskite oxides is translated into practical engineering by the industrial members.
Contact DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for high-temperature thermochemical storage.
