The growth of fluctuating renewable energy sources requires flexible, low-cost and efficient electrical storage such as Carnot Batteries to create balance between supply and demand as well as security of supply. 

By integrating Carnot Batteries in their existing infrastructure, combined heat and power (CHP) plants and coal-fired power plants are able to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels from their production. A Carnot Battery helps balance the electricity grid, while the energy utilization is likewise optimized significantly. Moreover, security of supply during peak load periods is created and integration across energy sectors is strengthened.

How does it work?

A Carnot Battery transforms electricity into thermal energy. During the charging process, excess electricity from PV panels and wind turbines is converted into heat by means of a heat pump and stored in molten salt tanks. During the discharging process, the stored heat is converted back into electricity. The waste heat from this process can subsequently be used for district heating.

Technology benefits

✓    Utilization of excess wind- and solar power
✓     Cost-efficient energy storage
✓     Security of supply
✓     Balance between supply and demand
✓     Increased flexibility
✓     Supports electrification

Coal retrofit

Did you know that coal power plants destined for phase-out could see new life serving the green economy as thermal Carnot Batteries?

The fossil fuel boiler will be replaced by two molten salt tanks. The salt has a temperature of up to 565º C and will be used for generating steam for operating a turbine which in the end will generate electricity. 
A large part of the existing infrastructure can be re-used for the generation of electricity including the steam turbine, generators, condensing heat exchangers as well as high value components for switching, transforming, and transmitting high voltage power.

Combined heat and power production

Combined heat and power (CHP) plants can, likewise, be converted into green power plants by replacing fossil fuels such as gas and coal with a Carnot Battery. By integrating molten salt tanks, CHP plants relying on gas, coal or biomass for heat production can reduce or completely eliminate fossil fuels from their production. Depending on individual energy requirements, a Carnot battery can act as supplement to an existing energy source in order to reduce fossil-fuel consumption or as a stand-alone unit for complete fossil fuel displacement.

In this case, the molten salt tanks act as a thermal energy storage. The CHP plant purchases electricity from the grid when the price is low, meaning when the electricity supply exceeds the demand. A heat pump converts the excess electricity into heat, which is then used for heating up the molten salt. When the electricity demand exceeds the supply, the heat from the salt is converted back into electricity, which is then sold and send back to the grid. The waste heat from this process is used for district heating purposes.