A Power-to-Heat Long Duration Energy Storage for decarbonizing the industrial thermal processes

Introduction

ThermalBox® combines Power-to-Heat (PtH) electrification technologies with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems utilizing sensible heat storage in molten salts to deliver decarbonized industrial process steam, while also providing demand side flexibility services to the grid.

Power Source and Capabilities

The system is primarily powered by renewable electric energy sourced from a renewable asset or through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). It is capable of delivering steam up to 20 barg and 222°C.

Heat Transfer Fluid

The Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) utilized is a eutectic mixture of inorganic molten salts known as HITEC®, which is extensively used in chemical and petrochemical applications. The composition consists of:

• Potassium nitrate (KNO3) - approximately 53%
• Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) - approximately 40%
• Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) - approximately 7%

System Configuration

The system configuration, based on a two-tanks arrangement, ensures smooth and continuous operation and provides operational flexibility by decoupling supply and demand. ThermalBox® has been designed with two sets of tanks located at different elevations (namely, the storage system), an electric heater, and a steam generator system.

Market Positioning

Build to Zero positions ThermalBox® in the small to medium-sized industrial application market, focusing on delivering up to 5 MWth with a cost-competitive, optimized design. ThermalBox® decarbonizes industrial heat and provides demand flexibility to electricity system operators, aligned with EU market reforms.

Project Scope

The scopes of the EIC Accelerator project are to:

1. Manufacture, install, and test our 2.5 MWth Basic Unit
2. Industrialize the ThermalBox production process
3. Enter the international market