Existing Energy Storage Challenges

Current energy storage solutions, such as lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage, face multiple challenges. These include limited lifespans, high costs, environmental impact from material extraction and disposal, and inefficiencies in energy density and duration of storage. Particularly, the scalability of these solutions to meet the demands of grid-scale energy storage and the rapid discharge required during peak times are significant hurdles.

Additionally, the safety risks associated with conventional energy storage technologies, such as fire hazards with batteries or geographical constraints with pumped hydro, further complicate their widespread adoption. These issues underscore the need for innovative solutions that offer safe, long-term, and cost-effective energy storage.

The Process of Metal Powder Combustion

The smart thermal battery using metal powder fuels operates on a simple yet efficient principle: the controlled combustion of metal powders such as iron or aluminum. This process generates high temperatures suitable for industrial heat applications or residential heating. The combustion is designed to occur in a closed environment, minimizing any risk of gas emissions or exposure to volatile substances.

This technology harnesses the inherent energy contained in metals, converting it through combustion into usable heat without the significant CO2 emissions associated with fossil fuels. The system’s efficiency is enhanced by the use of oxidizers that supply oxygen directly to the reaction site, improving combustion and energy release rates.

Recharging with Hydrogen and Solar Energy

The recharging process of the spent metal oxides (the byproduct of metal combustion) is a key innovation of this technology. Hydrogen can be used to reduce metal oxides back into their original metal powder form, effectively recycling the fuel for repeated use. This method not only conserves resources but also integrates seamlessly with hydrogen technologies, leveraging renewable energy sources for hydrogen production.

Alternatively, concentrated solar power can be employed to melt metal oxides back into metal powders. This process utilizes mirrors or lenses to focus solar energy, achieving temperatures high enough to induce the reduction of oxides without additional energy inputs. This method of using solar energy not only ensures a renewable source of heat but also aligns with global efforts towards complete decarbonization.

Advanced Technology and Safe Operation

The solar fuel utilized in this technology is a fine, solid-state powder that combusts cleanly, producing heat without hazardous emissions. It consists of three main components: metal powders as the fuel, oxidizing agents to facilitate oxygen supply, and reaction controllers to manage the combustion process. This combination ensures a safe, controlled reaction that can be finely tuned according to specific heat and operational requirements.

Designed to operate within a closed system, the technology ensures that no gases are released during combustion, maintaining a safe and clean environment. The entire process is contained, preventing any exposure to the combustible materials or reaction byproducts, which significantly enhances the operational safety of the technology, particularly in industrial and residential settings.

Criteria	Thermal Storage	SMR	H2	Li Battery	Nat Gas + CCUS	Metal Powder Technology
Delivers Energy at High Temperatures	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Economics in Long-Duration Storage	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	✅
GHG-Free Energy	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅
Fit for Long-Duration Storage	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅
Energy Dense	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	✅
Safe	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	✅

Application Specific Advantages

Industrial Processes

Our system is tailor-made for industrial applications such as petrochemical crackers and petroleum refiners. It eliminates greenhouse gas emissions while delivering necessary high temperatures, facilitating a seamless transition to renewable energy sources and increasing profitability.

Building and Off-Grid Power

Ensure uninterrupted power in space-constrained or remote buildings with our compact, emission-free solution. It is perfectly suited for decentralized applications, promoting wider adoption of renewable energy and facilitating decarbonization strategies.

Heavy Transport

Enhance propulsion efficiency and provide safe, emission-free power for heavy transport vehicles. Our system’s high energy density and safety profile make it ideal for meeting varied power and heating needs onboard, without the environmental impact of traditional fuels.

Unparalleled Energy Density

Our iron-based technology holds 60% more energy volumetrically than typical alternatives and fossil fuels. Iron’s stability and solid state at ambient conditions allow it to retain energy from days to years without any losses, supporting scalable renewable energy storage solutions.

Abundant and Affordable

Iron, being the fourth most abundant element on earth and widely mined, ensures that our technology is not only sustainable but also cost-effective. The system’s design, which reuses the iron it starts with, eliminates the need for continuous material input, further enhancing its economic viability.

Scalability and Proven Technology

The containerized, scalable design of our system can meet specific power and energy storage requirements depending on the use case. It integrates proven, industry-standard subsystems that are optimized to transfer and deliver heat and/or power efficiently, ensuring reliability and adaptability in various operational settings.

The benefits associated with using Variet metal powder as a fuel for generating thermal energy, as described:

1. Generates Energy at High Temperatures: Suitable for industrial processes, delivering heat up to 1000 °C.
2. Economic in Long-Duration Storage: Offers cost-effective energy storage with low capital expenditure per kWh.
3. GHG-Free Energy: Provides a fully decarbonized energy solution, crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Fit for Long-Duration Storage: Capable of storing energy over long periods (from days to years) without energy loss.
5. Energy Dense: Ideal for applications in space-constrained or remote locations due to high energy density.
6. Safe Operation: Lacks toxicity, volatility, corrosivity, and explosion risks associated with other fuels.
7. Renewable Energy Storage: Can store renewable energy for extended periods, from days to months or even years.
8. Delivers Energy at Temperatures up to 1000 °C: Useful for demanding industrial applications.
9. Decarbonization of Industrial Processes: Helps industries like petrochemicals and refining cut down on CO2 emissions.
10. Enables Off-Grid Heating and Power: Ensures reliable energy supply in remote or space-constrained environments.
11. Enhances Heavy Transport: Provides energy-dense, safe power suitable for heavy transport vehicles.
12. Offers Unparalleled Energy Density: Stores more energy volumetrically than alternatives, essential for efficient energy storage.
13. Cost-effective and Abundant: Utilizes iron, the fourth most abundant element, reducing material costs.
14. Scalable and Adaptable: Can be scaled to meet various energy demands, adaptable across multiple sectors.
15. Proven Subsystem Integration: Uses reliable, industry-standard components for enhanced dependability.
16. Minimal Environmental Impact: No harmful emissions during use, supporting environmental sustainability.
17. Recyclable Fuel: Metal oxides produced can be recycled indefinitely, enhancing sustainability.
18. High Safety Profile: Safe for use in residential buildings and industries due to controlled combustion.
19. Smart Connectivity: Can be integrated with IoT for advanced monitoring and control.
20. Customizable: Offers flexibility in terms of temperature control, reaction rate, and reusability.
21. Long Lifespan: Designed to be durable, with no expiry date, functioning efficiently for over ten years.
22. Food Safe: Suitable for use in food and beverage industries, ensuring safety and compliance.

Conclusion

Metal powder fuels represent a revolutionary step forward in energy technology, offering a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources. With their high energy density, safety, and recyclability, they are poised to play a crucial role in the global transition to sustainable energy practices. The ability to efficiently store and recycle energy, coupled with the integration of renewable energy sources for fuel regeneration, makes metal powder combustion a promising solution for future energy needs across various sectors.