In a pivotal development for the energy sector, the world’s first-ever thermal battery plant has been inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh. The plant, operated by Bharat Energy Storage Technologies Pvt Ltd (BEST), opens up new avenues for energy production and is hailed for its potential to serve as an alternative to fossil fuel-derived energy.
Objectives of the Thermal Battery Plant
The primary objective of this innovation is to establish a novel energy storage form with possible commercial applications. It is designed to maintain a low carbon footprint, offering an alternative to energy sources heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The Significance of Thermal Battery
Solar energy, although a sustainable option, is often limited by weather conditions and the necessity of a robust energy storage infrastructure. The presently available energy storage technologies rely majorly on Lithium-based batteries. However, these are expensive as they require replacement every six to seven years. Additionally, Lithium batteries are low on energy density, necessitating a large footprint. Furthermore, due to Lithium’s sensitivity to extreme temperatures, these energy storage systems require conditioning, utilizing around eight to ten per cent of the stored energy. In these scenarios, the launch of thermal battery technology is indeed a milestone.
The Structure and Working of a Thermal Battery
Invented and patented by Dr Patrick Glynn in India in 2016, a thermal battery uses thermal energy – energy created by temperature differences – for operation. This energy transfer mechanism allows it to store heat as it moves from one part of the battery setup to the other. The two main components of a thermal battery are a cool zone (sink) and a hot source (source). These parts consist of compounds known as phase-changing materials (PCMs), capable of altering their state based on physical or chemical reactions. During operation, the sink cools down and releases the stored energy, while the source heats up. Given that thermal batteries can draw heat from any source, they prove to be highly versatile.
Applications and Impact of Thermal Battery
This innovative energy storage device is primed to store renewable energy for a plethora of applications, thus aiding in reducing carbon emissions and balancing and stabilising power grids. This technology is expected to be extensively used to store energy for telecommunication, commercial establishments, electric vehicles, and highway charging stations. Given their operational modus operandi, these batteries could help solve power issues in remote areas and cater to the escalating energy demands from regional or national grids. Moreover, adopting this technology would decrease the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources.
Environment-Friendly Manufacturing Process
The thermal battery plant also aims to manufacture storage devices that are eco-friendly, avoiding the use of hard metal or inflammable substances. It envisages gaining a prominent foothold in the global market and contributing to reducing global warming and carbon emissions. The plant aligns with the Government of India’s vision of electrified mobility by 2030, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development.