Miscibility Gap Alloys: A New Thermal Energy Storage Solution

Abstract

The status of Miscibility Gap Alloys (MGA), which have demonstrated excellent characteristics for thermal storage applications over a wide range of temperatures, is reviewed. MGA remain macroscopically solid whilst delivering latent heat from embedded metal particles supplemented by the sensible heat of the whole material. Heat can be delivered rapidly due to very high thermal conductivity leading to modular solid storage designs which can act as solar boilers for direct steam CSP or other applications. Progress in the manufacture, alloy design and a demonstration 1.5kW steam turbine-generator with integrated MGA storage unit are briefly described.