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U.S. Department of Energy
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Thermal energy storage and power generation systems and methods

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1491254
A solar power system and materials capable of storing heat energy by thermochemical energy storage are disclosed. Thermal energy is stored as chemical potential in these materials through a reversible reduction-oxidation reaction. Thermal energy from concentrated sunlight drives a highly endothermic reduction reaction that liberates lattice oxygen from the oxide to form O.sub.2 gas, leaving energy-rich, oxygen-depleted particles. When desired, the heat is recovered as the particles are re-oxidized in an exothermic reaction upon exposure to air. The system may be integrated with a power generation system to generate power.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
10,107,268
Application Number:
14/846,201
OSTI ID:
1491254
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English