Imagine a solar power plant that doesn't just use panels, but also uses mirrors to heat up air to extreme temperatures. This hot air is then used to drive a high-powered turbine, similar to how a steam engine works but much more efficient. By combining cheap solar panels with this heat-storage system, the plant can keep producing electricity even after the sun goes down.
Current solar thermal plants are limited by the 600 °C degradation point of solar salts, which caps efficiency. Developers face high financial risks when trying to move to higher temperatures without proven, step-wise component testing.
Four TRL5 prototypes including a solar receiver, high-temperature thermal energy storage, sCO2-air heat exchangers, and an innovative electric heater.
If you are an energy producer dealing with the intermittency of solar power — this project developed a hybrid CSP-PV system that uses air as a heat transfer fluid to store energy. This allows for flexible power generation and higher thermal efficiencies exceeding 50%.
If you are a factory operator dealing with high carbon taxes and expensive heating fuels — this project developed a high-temperature thermal energy storage system. It allows you to convert cheap PV electricity into stored heat via an innovative electric heater.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with the degradation of traditional solar salts at 600 °C — this project developed an air-driven system and sCO2-air heat exchangers. This enables the creation of components that operate at higher temperatures without material failure.
The project aims to lower the LCOE and CAPEX by using air as a free, safe, and stable heat transfer fluid and by maximizing the affordability of PV integration.
The project focuses on lab-scale testing and prototypes at TRL5. It provides R&D roadmaps to reach TRL 9 for full market uptake.
Based on available project data, the project involves 10 partners developing key components like receivers and heat exchangers, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
The system is designed for flexible operation and high efficiency, allowing it to better match electric market perspectives and EU solar irradiation patterns.
The project runs until 2025-10-31, targeting the 2030 EU energy goals for the promotion of air-driven/sCO2 cycles.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 10 partners across 7 countries. With a 40% industry ratio (4 industrial partners, including 2 SMEs), there is a strong link between the 4 universities and 2 research centers and the commercial market, ensuring that the TRL5 lab results are aligned with industrial needs.
Contact Kungliga Tekniska Hoegskolan (KTH) in Sweden
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