Short answer
Integrate and optimize ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage systems to reduce the levelized cost of electricity for concentrating solar thermal power.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- AIP conference proceedings (2016)
- Method
- Conceptual design and preliminary engineering analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Advancements in ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage (TCES) demonstrate its potential to significantly reduce the cost of concentrating solar thermal power, aligning with ambitious cost reduction goals. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in AIP conference proceedings. Using Conceptual design and preliminary engineering analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate and optimize ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage systems to reduce the levelized cost of electricity for concentrating solar thermal power.
Ammonia-Based Thermochemical Storage Can Achieve SunShot Cost Targets for Solar Thermal Power
Advancements in ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage (TCES) demonstrate its potential to significantly reduce the cost of concentrating solar thermal power, aligning with ambitious cost reduction goals.
AIP conference proceedings · 2016
Key Findings
- 01Underground containment of gaseous products from the dissociation reaction is feasible.
- 02Ammonia synthesis can effectively generate steam for a supercritical-steam Rankine cycle.
- 03Integration of endothermic reactors within a tower receiver is achievable.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate and optimize ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage systems to reduce the levelized cost of electricity for concentrating solar thermal power.
How to apply
When designing solar thermal power plants, incorporate TCES solutions, specifically exploring ammonia-based systems for their cost-reduction potential.
Project actions
- 01When researching energy storage, look into thermochemical methods.
- 02Consider the cost implications of different energy storage technologies for your design project.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a critical barrier to CSP adoption: cost.
- +Presents a novel application of ammonia for energy storage.
Limitations
The research is based on preliminary designs and theoretical calculations, not full-scale operational data.
Reliability & validity
The findings are based on theoretical modeling and preliminary design, requiring experimental validation for reliability and validity.
Think critically
How might the safety and environmental considerations of using ammonia in large-scale energy storage systems influence its adoption, and what design strategies could mitigate these concerns?
Design Principles
"Cost-effective energy storage is essential for the widespread adoption of intermittent renewable energy sources."
This research highlights a viable pathway for making solar thermal power more economically competitive. By focusing on cost-effective storage solutions, designers can explore new opportunities for renewable energy integration and grid stability.
What This Means for Your Design
This research shows that using ammonia to store heat from solar power could make solar power much cheaper, helping it compete with other energy sources.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the economic viability of renewable energy storage solutions in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research into ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage (TCES) indicates significant potential for cost reduction in concentrating solar thermal power systems, with advancements in underground containment, steam generation, and reactor integration suggesting a viable path towards meeting ambitious cost targets like the $15/kWht SunShot goal. This highlights the importance of exploring advanced storage mechanisms for improving the economic competitiveness of renewable energy.
Source
AIP conference proceedings
Thermochemical energy storage with ammonia: Aiming for the sunshot cost target
journal · 2016
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about ammonia-based thermochemical storage can achieve sunshot cost targets for solar thermal power?
- Integrate and optimize ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage systems to reduce the levelized cost of electricity for concentrating solar thermal power. Evidence: AIP conference proceedings (2016).
- Why does "Ammonia-Based Thermochemical Storage Can Achieve SunShot Cost Targets for Solar Thermal Power" matter for design?
- This research highlights a viable pathway for making solar thermal power more economically competitive. By focusing on cost-effective storage solutions, designers can explore new opportunities for renewable energy integration and grid stability.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate and optimize ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage systems to reduce the levelized cost of electricity for concentrating solar thermal power.
- What were the main findings?
- Underground containment of gaseous products from the dissociation reaction is feasible.. Ammonia synthesis can effectively generate steam for a supercritical-steam Rankine cycle.. Integration of endothermic reactors within a tower receiver is achievable.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual design and preliminary engineering analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2016 journal from AIP conference proceedings.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing solar thermal power plants, incorporate TCES solutions, specifically exploring ammonia-based systems for their cost-reduction potential.
- What are the limitations?
- The study presents preliminary designs and analyses; further detailed engineering and pilot testing are required for full-scale implementation.