Sand Battery Thermal Energy Storage
Commercial thermal energy storage using sand heated to 600°C. Stores renewable energy as heat for industrial processes and district heating. Two models: 2MW/200MWh (85% efficiency) and 10MW/1000MWh (90% efficiency). Output: hot water, steam, or air (60-400°C). First installation 2022 in Finland.
Caratteristiche principali
- 600°C storage temperature
- 200-1000 MWh capacity
- 85-90% efficiency
- Months retention
- Hot water/steam/air output
Come funziona
Electric resistors heat air to 600°C, circulated through pipes in sand. Discharging: cool air absorbs heat, outputs as hot water (district heating), steam (industrial), or hot air (60-400°C). Storage capacity: 200-1000 MWh. Efficiency: 85-90%. Dimensions: 2MW (15×12m), 10MW (30×12m). Retention: Months.
Impatto sulla sostenibilità
Replaces fossil fuels for industrial heat (36% of process heat needs at 100-400°C). Mission Innovation: potential 100Mt CO2e/year savings by 2030 (3% of EU emissions).
Ente capofila: Polar Night Energy (Finland)