About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Energy Technology 2027: Advancement in Energy Materials - Theory, Simulation, Characterization and Application
|
| Presentation Title |
Packing Factor Optimization and Durability Assessment of Thermal Elements for Pumped Thermal Energy Storage |
| Author(s) |
Christina Caulkins, Cory Stansbury, Richard Wright, Roger DeNoble |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Christina Caulkins |
| Abstract Scope |
Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) is a long-duration, grid-scale energy storage technology that stores excess renewable or off-peak energy as heat in insulated tanks containing engineered concrete thermal elements. These elements function as rechargeable thermal batteries, retaining heat for conversion to electricity and supporting grid reliability and decarbonization. This study presents findings from packing factor and durability tests, both critical for commercial deployment. Packing factor experiments optimized loading and packing methodologies to maximize element density in tanks, achieving results consistent with theoretical limits for the element geometry. The addition of finer particles to fill interstitial spaces increased packing density. These findings validate discrete element models and inform full-scale system design. Durability testing evaluated the long-term mechanical and material integrity of the elements and heat transfer fluid under repeated thermal cycling. These programs address phenomena affecting PTES efficiency, reliability, and scalability, advancing PTES as a battery alternative for large-scale energy storage. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Energy Conversion and Storage, Sustainability, Process Technology |