L.P. McLaughlin
Sandia National Laboratories,
United States
Keywords: thermal energy storage, LCOE, LCOH, cost
Summary:
This study conducted a techno-economic analysis (TEA) of Moving Particle Thermal Energy Storage (MPTES) technology for grid storage and process heat applications. The analysis aimed to estimate the costs and uncertainties associated with MPTES and compare it with other long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies such as Li-ion LFP, Vanadium Redox Flow, and compressed air energy storage. The study evaluated MPTES for grid storage using a supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton cycle (RCBC) for electricity generation and for process heat with steam discharge. A parametric study varied PV rating, TES capacity, TES discharge and charge ratings, and Li-ion LFP capacity and power rating to find the lowest cost system at different load met percentages. Preliminary results indicated that MPTES is competitive with Li-ion LFP in grid applications when lower-end power block costs are realized and offers lower costs for process heat applications. The study highlighted the importance of reducing costs associated with heat exchangers, expansion, compression, recuperation, cooling, and power electronics to achieve low levelized costs of energy (LCOE) and heat (LCOH). The findings suggest that MPTES can be a cost-effective solution for both grid storage and process heat applications, with further comparisons to additional technologies to be presented at the event.