FP-TES: Fluidization based particle thermal energy storage, part II: Experimental investigations

Abstract

In recent years, the fight against global warming and therefore CO2 reduction have become the most important issue for humanity. As a result, volatile sources of energy-like wind and solar power-are penetrating the electrical grid and therefore an increased demand on storage capacities is required. At the TU Wien Institute for Energy Systems and Thermodynamics, a Fluidization Based Particle Thermal Energy Storage (FP-TES) working with bulk material as a sensible storage material is developed. In this paper, the concept and an experimental study of the cold test rig is presented. By means of various pressure measurements, a novel concept of particle transport based on advanced fluidization technology without any mechanical transport devices is investigated. Moreover, a mathematical correlation between the pressure gradients and the particle mass flow is found. Overall, the experimental study provides a full proof of concept and functionality of the novel energy storage system.