Status and Potential for Solar Thermochemical Energy Storage in a Sustainable Society

Concentrated solar thermal energy has the advantage over most renewable energy technologies in that it can be combined with large scale energy storage and used on demand. This dispatchability is what leads to greater utilization and a lower levelized cost over the lifetime of the system. Recent research has explored high temperature (600-1200°C) thermochemical energy storage chemistries which have the potential for high energy storage density and high overall thermal efficiency of the conversion process (by virtue of the high temperatures involved). This talk will highlight some of the successes and challenges that remain for concentrated solar to be effectively coupled with a thermochemical energy storage sub-system.

In addition to power generation, other applications that could transform the daily lives of people in both developed and low resource areas will be discussed. Potential applications of solar thermochemical energy storage are wide-ranging and could include heating, drying, cooking, and sanitation.