In the quest to connect cheap but intermittent renewable electricity with heat-hungry industrial processes, thermal energy storage has emerged as a promising technology. These systems work by transforming electricity into heat, storing it and then dispatching it as needed, similar to typical batteries. One company, Rondo Energy, is at the forefront of this movement.
Rondo Energy’s heat storage system utilizes a resistance heater to convert electricity into heat on a larger scale and at a higher temperature. The hot bricks used in the system store this heat for later use and can be used to generate steam or directly heat up equipment. The company aims to integrate this technology into existing facilities in an economically viable manner.
The commercial pilot of Rondo’s technology has been running at an ethanol plant in California since March 2023. The company is also scaling up production at a factory in Taiwan and has announced plans to expand. Rondo has partnered with beverage company Diageo to install heat batteries in a Kentucky whiskey distillery and another facility. In March, the US Department of Energy awarded Rondo $75 million in funding to support this project as part of its efforts to reduce industrial emissions.
Rondo is among several companies working on thermal battery technology, utilizing a variety of materials such as molten salt, metal, and crushed rocks to store heat. The growing interest in this area highlights the potential impact of thermal energy storage in addressing the challenges posed by intermittent renewable energy sources and industrial heat demand.
One such challenge is that renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are often intermittent, meaning they produce less electricity during certain times of day or weather conditions. This can make it difficult for industries that rely on consistent power sources like cement production or manufacturing processes that require high temperatures.
Thermal energy storage offers a solution by converting excess electricity into heat that can be stored for later use when needed. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we generate and use energy in industries that require consistent power sources.
In conclusion, thermal energy storage is an emerging technology that shows great promise in connecting cheap but intermittent renewable electricity with heat-hungry industrial processes. Companies like Ronda Energy are working hard to develop practical solutions that can be integrated into existing facilities in an economically viable manner.
With continued investment and innovation, thermal energy storage could play a significant role in reducing industrial emissions while providing reliable power sources for industries around the world.
