Experimental study and analysis of a novel layered packed-bed for thermal energy storage applications: A proof of concept

This paper presents a study carried out as part of commissioning and testing world’s first grid-scale 150 kWe Pumped Heat Energy Storage (PHES) demonstration system. The system employs two novel layered packed-bed thermal stores. present experimentally investigates one the stores designated “hot store”, which has an energy storage density 1072 MJ/m3 heat at 500 °C 12 bar. store is enhancement normal offers higher degree stratification. Experiments show that layering results in about 64 % reduction pressure loss along with yielding considerably narrower thermocline. Round-trip efficiency, capacity utilisation were calculated based on 1st Law analysis considering both simple mode operation nominal design conditions. Two cycle control scenarios considered: time-based temperature-based. In scenario, shows nearly similar performance modes. However, temperature-based outperforms. During cyclic operation, outperforms it reaches steady-state merely 3rd cycle, without any utilisation; yields competitive efficiency but deteriorate after each successive achieved 20th cycle. 2nd was additionally performed to gain insight into various losses their impact performance.