via University of Newcastle
A futuristic energy system delivering power, year round climate control, oxygen and fuel for the hydrogen vehicles of tomorrow has today been unveiled at the University of Newcastle (UON).
Developed in less than six months, the InfratechTMCLES reference plant is the result of an industry collaboration between InfratechTM Industries and UON’s Professor Behdad Moghtaderi, Director of the Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation at UON’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) facility.
Like the energy equivalent of a Swiss army knife, the system is capable of performing multiple energy functions, while requiring a fraction of the resources.
Professor Moghtaderi said the InfratechTMCLES system shuttled particles through a cyclic process to achieve its outputs.
“While the InfratechTMCLES technology draws from my invention – the CLAS (Chemical Looping Air Separation) process, which is patented by the University of Newcastle, it features a number of unique characteristics which make it distinct,” said Professor Moghtaderi.
InfratechTMCLES can be operated in two modes – around the clock or ‘energy on demand’, where the system is powered by gas, or as an ‘energy storage system’ where the system is powered by electricity stored during off-peak periods from renewables including wind and solar or from the grid.
As an ‘Energy on Demand’ system
In the ‘energy on demand’ setting the system can be powered 24/7 by gas, which Professor Moghtaderi explained has several advantages.
“Gas is our most reliable form of energy, is more cost effective for the end user and produces one-third of the emissions of other fossil fuels,” said Professor Moghtaderi.
“This, combined with the reductions afforded by the systems energy efficiencies means it is a very cost-effective solution,” said Professor Moghtaderi.
As an ‘Energy Storage System’
In this mode of operation the unit acts like a battery, storing electricity generated by solar panels, wind farms and grid during the low demand (i.e. off-peak) periods.
Professor Moghtaderi said in this mode the system augmented existing renewable technologies and could help manage base load energy demands.
“This capability facilitates the deployment of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. It can provide power for twelve hours during peak energy-demand periods.”
“It could also take and store energy from the grid during off-peak periods which is a lower-cost option for the end-user and reduces base-load demand on centralised energy networks.”
Unique Applications
Professor Moghtaderi said the system’s ability to produce oxygen offered exciting new possibilities.
“Oxygen is an expensive commodity and could either be captured and sold by those who have no use for it or more affordably and conveniently accessed by those who do.”
“Hospitals are an example of buildings that require a highly reliable supply of oxygen, power and climate control. In this way, the InfratechTMCLES is an ideal solution,” said Professor Moghtaderi.
“Given the portability of the system and its ability to run off decentralised gas or electricity such as solar, it could also be an ideal solution for field hospitals or forward operating defence bases in places like Afghanistan,” said Professor Moghtaderi.
“Another ideal application would be nursing homes where the oxygen could be circulated throughout the building to help support the health and wellbeing of elderly residents,” said Professor Moghtaderi.
Next Steps
Once the reference plant has been tested it will be relocated for commercial use. Following that, Professor Moghtaderi said his team and industry partner would focus on miniaturising the technology for individual household applications – an option which should be available within 18 months.
Learn more: Energy on demand
The Latest on: Energy system
- Turntide Technologies Raises $80M With Investments From Breakthrough Energy Ventures And Robert Downey Jr.'s FootPrint Coalition Ventureson March 3, 2021 at 8:24 pm
Turntide Technologies ("Turntide"), the company responsible for the Smart Motor System™ and the Optimal Efficiency Motor™ with digital DNA, today announced the completion of an $80 million funding ...
- Why Clean Energy Fuels Stock Rocketed Higher in Februaryon March 3, 2021 at 7:00 am
Shares of Clean Energy Fuels (NASDAQ:CLNE) surged 27.5% in February, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Following a 50%-plus increase earlier in the month, the stock corrected.
- Energy firms bet on hydrogen boom, but payday far awayon March 3, 2021 at 6:21 am
Governments and energy companies are placing large bets on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, but its future uses and costs are highly uncertain.
- How much last month's winter storm in Texas cost Duke Energy Renewableson March 3, 2021 at 3:30 am
Duke Energy Renewables remains interested in the Texas market despite a winter storm last month that cost it up to an estimated $100 million.
- SPI Energy's Solar Juice Signs Contract with Australia's Aboriginal Housing Office to Supply up to 2600 Properties with Solar PV Systemson March 3, 2021 at 1:30 am
SANTA CLARA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 3, 2021 / SPI Energy Co., Ltd. ("SPI Energy" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:SPI), a global renewable energy company ...
- Battery Energy Storage Systems for Smart Grid Market Report 2022-2031: Focus on Energy Management and Backup Poweron March 3, 2021 at 12:44 am
A recent systematic review report on “ Battery Energy Storage Systems for Smart Grid Market is Gaining Momentum; Empowering Future Innovation in Industry 2031 | Changing the Face of Energy Industry”, ...
- The Pentagon successfully managed to orbit a solar panel that collects energy from the Sunon March 3, 2021 at 12:26 am
The solar panel collects energy that could be sent back to Earth, providing a solution to climate change and natural disasters if adopted widely.
- Communications Systems, Inc. Announces Agreement to Merge with Pineapple Energy, LLCon March 2, 2021 at 9:32 pm
Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCS) (“CSI” or the “Company”), an IoT intelligent edge products and services company, today announced that it entered into a definitive merger agreement with ...
- Braille Energy Systems Stock: The Big News that Has BES.V Soaring Todayon March 2, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Braille Energy Systems stock is on the move today after the battery company shared a key supply deal... and it involves Tesla.
- The Texas blackouts showed how climate extremes threaten energy systems across the USon March 2, 2021 at 8:27 am
Many have blamed the state’s deregulated electricity market, arguing that Texas prioritized cheap power over reliability. But climate extremes are wreaking increasing havoc on energy systems across ...
via Google News and Bing News