The Advantages Of Thermal Battery And How It Works?

Thermal battery is an advanced energy storage technology that uses heat to store and regenerate energy. In this article by Alternō, let’s explore in more detail how thermal batteries work, their benefits, and classifications right below!

1. What is a thermal battery?

A thermal battery is a type of battery that stores thermal energy instead of electrical energy. It works by capturing and storing heat in a medium, such as a molten salt or a phase change material, and then releasing it when needed. A thermal battery consists of cells, each made up of a cathode and an anode. Once activated, the battery operates until it is depleted or cools below the melting point of the electrolyte.

This stored heat can be used to generate electricity or for other applications that require a thermal battery. Thermal batteries are particularly useful in integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which are intermittent in nature. By storing excess energy as heat, thermal batteries help stabilize the power grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

2. How do thermal batteries work?

Thermal batteries work by storing thermal energy in a special material and releasing it when needed. Thermal batteries consist of stacks of cells. Each cell consists of a cathode, electrolyte, anode and a thermal energy source. Thermal batteries can consist of stacks of cells connected in series or multiple stacks of cells connected in parallel.

First, thermal energy is collected from sources such as solar and wind energy. This heat is stored in materials with high heat retention capacity such as molten salts and phase change materials (PCMs). These materials retain heat for long periods of time without losing it.

When energy is needed, the heat is released and can be used to provide heat for industrial applications or to generate steam to operate turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical or electrical energy.

3. Benefits of thermal battery

Thermal batteries offer several significant benefits, making them an attractive option for energy storage and sustainability:

• Long-term thermal stability: Thermal batteries have the ability to retain energy for long periods of time without loss, unlike traditional storage methods. The silicon inside the components of thermal batteries is well recyclable.
• Reduced costs: Thermal batteries are more affordable than other types of storage batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, due to the simpler materials used and design.
• Versatility: Thermal batteries can be used in a wide range of applications, from residential energy storage for apartments and villas to large-scale industry and utilities. They can also be integrated into existing energy systems, increasing the stability of the grid.
• Durability: These batteries can last up to 20 years, with fewer issues than chemical batteries. The ability to operate in harsh environments and high temperatures also adds to their durability, making them suitable for a variety of energy applications.

4. What is a heat battery used for?

Thermal batteries are commonly used in military operations because they require a disposable power source. They are currently used in military operations such as the manufacture of ammunition, missiles, sonobuoys, and launch vehicles. In addition, thermal batteries are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and refrigeration, to provide temperature control without relying on traditional energy sources.

5. Classification of thermal batteries

Below are the types of thermal batteries based on material factors, details include:

• Water-based thermal battery: A water-based thermal battery is a thermal energy storage system that uses excess renewable energy to cool or heat water to high temperatures for various purposes such as heating.

• Phase change materials: Phase change materials (PCMs) are substances that absorb and release thermal battery during melting and solidification at specific temperatures. When a PCM is heated, it changes from a solid to a liquid, absorbing a significant amount of heat without a significant change in temperature, known as latent heat. Conversely, when the material cools, it solidifies and releases the stored heat.

• Aluminium-based thermal batteries: Aluminium-based thermal batteries are batteries that use aluminium or aluminium alloys heated to 600°C and then discharged over 16 hours. These batteries work by exploiting aluminium’s high thermal conductivity and heat storage capacity, allowing them to absorb and store heat during periods of excess energy. When the stored heat is needed, the aluminium releases the energy, usually in the form of high temperatures for industrial or domestic use.

• Concrete-based heat battery: Concrete thermal batteries are the use of concrete as a medium to store and release heat. Concrete, known for its high thermal mass, can absorb large amounts of heat when heated and gradually release this energy over time as it cools. The high temperatures are transferred to the pipes in the thermal battery by circulating hot gas or heat transfer fluid.

• Hybrid heat exchanger tanks: Hybrid heat exchangers combine a traditional storage tank with a heat exchanger. Storage tanks such as water or phase change materials with heat exchangers are integrated into the system. Hybrid heat exchangers can efficiently store thermal energy for rapid release and use when there is a heat demand.

Thermal batteries are an effective solution for storing and managing thermal battery, helping to optimize energy use. The above article is related to information about the operation, benefits and classification of thermal batteries that Alternō wants to share with you. If you have any questions related to thermal batteries, please contact us immediately for answers!