Cryogenics Energy Storage

Our energy storage expertise is focused on applications where very high power or stored energy levels are required. Examples include grid scale energy storage where electrochemical solutions are prohibitively expensive requiring novel alternative solutions.

Modelling and experimentation

We offer a wide range of expertise in modelling and experimentation that can be used to help inform design, ensuring cost effective engineering and procurement practices, in this rapidly developing cold storage sector.

Using a range of lab-scale test rigs as well as advanced models specifically designed to simulate fluids in “very cold” environments we can help develop knowledge and understanding of the cryogenic performance of materials within the cold store. This knowledge can support the optimisation of the material used in their High-Grade Cold Store (HGCS) power storage, and provided advice on design guidelines for future plant.

Liquid Air Energy Storage

Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) units utilises the thermal energy potential that can be stored as liquid air and has the potential to become an important component of the growing multi-billion-dollar energy storage market for utility and distributed power systems. Cryogenic energy storage system is equivalent in performance to, and could potentially replace, a fossil fuel power station. When electricity is required, the cryogenic fluid is compressed, heated and expanded in a turbine to generate energy. The efficiency process is almost doubled by capturing the ‘cold’ thermal energy released during power recovery and using the cold to reduce the energy cost to recharge the system.

Read about , and about our recent project with Highview here.

Waste heat recovery

We have a wide expertise of projects in the wider field of waste heat recovery. Capturing waste heat and converting it into useful energy makes sense for the environment and for fuel efficiency.

Our work with Libertine and Nidec SR Drives Ltd involves the recovery of exhaust waste heat and its conversion into electrical and propulsive power, allowing engine downsizing and serving auxiliary power loads. Using heat recovery and low carbon power generation for automotive applications we can substantially improve fuel efficiency in heavy goods vehicles.

Libertine’s innovative linear expander-generator, which integrates a low friction free piston with a high efficiency linear generator, has the potential to convert 10-20 100% of waste heat to power.

Nidec SR Drives contributed to the development of a linear switched reluctance generator. We developed, tested and assessed a thermally-tolerant and magnet-free system.