Using Thermal Batteries to Store Solar Power: A Sustainable Solution for the Future
Introduction
Nearly 20 years ago, Andrew Bissell found himself pondering his future after selling his medical imaging startup. While reading a science magazine, he came across an article on climate change and its potential impact on sea levels. This sparked an idea that would lead to the founding of Sunamp, a company focused on storing solar power as heat using thermal batteries. In this article, we will explore how Sunamp’s innovative technology works, its potential benefits, and its impact on the renewable energy landscape.
The Concept of Thermal Batteries
At the core of Sunamp’s thermal battery are three compounds: sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT), water, and crystal habit modifiers. SAT, commonly used in hand warmers, can store heat when triggered to recrystallize. However, over time, the salt settles out of solution and loses its efficiency. To address this, Sunamp incorporates a form of acrylic as a crystal habit modifier, ensuring the SAT remains stable over thousands of heating cycles.
The Technology in Action
Sunamp’s thermal batteries offer a sustainable solution for utilizing excess renewable power. During periods of abundant solar energy or when electricity rates are low due to wind power generation, the thermal battery charges by storing heat. When solar power is not available or during low-wind periods, the battery discharges, releasing heat as the SAT crystalizes. This technology provides a reliable and efficient way to utilize renewable energy and reduce reliance on conventional heating systems.
Benefits and Applications
One of the primary benefits of Sunamp’s thermal batteries is their compact size, making them ideal for customers with limited space. Traditional hot water tanks often take up considerable room, making them impractical for many households. Sunamp’s compact heat battery for domestic hot water caters to this segment of the market, providing an energy-efficient solution for homes that cannot accommodate a traditional hot water tank.
Moreover, the use of thermal batteries contributes to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By storing solar power as heat, households can rely less on fossil fuel-based heating systems, leading to a smaller carbon footprint. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy sources.
Expansion and Future Prospects
Sunamp has already established a presence in the United Kingdom and Italy, and it aims to expand further into Western European countries and the United States. The company’s ongoing Series B funding round indicates the growing interest and potential for its technology. With revenue already in the “tens of millions range,” Sunamp is poised to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector.
Conclusion
Sunamp’s innovative use of thermal batteries to store solar power offers a promising solution for the challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources. By providing a compact and efficient alternative to traditional heating systems, Sunamp aims to make renewable energy more accessible to a wider range of households. As the company continues to expand its reach and refine its technology, it has the potential to play a crucial role in the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.