Latent heat thermophotovoltaic batteries

Latent heat thermophotovoltaic (LHTPV) batteries store electricity as latent heat at very high temperatures (1,000 degrees C) and convert this heat back to electricity on demand using thermophotovoltaics (TPVs). In this study, we discuss the techno-economics of LHTPV systems, focusing on parameters such as the round-trip efficiency, energy-to-power ratio, cost per energy and power capacities, and levelized cost of storage. The very low cost of the heat storage media (<4 euro/kWh) results in optimal designs with high energy-to-power ratios, fitting long-duration storage (LDS) applications. Shorter duration storage applications are also possible by increasing the overall round-trip conversion efficiency through cogeneration, that is, combined heat and power (CHP) generation. Results indicate that LHTPV systems can provide lower levelized cost of storage than Li-ion batteries in both LDS and CHP applications. Preliminary experimental results are provided to illustrate the real operation of a LHTPV system.

Automated summary

This study discusses the techno-economics of latent heat thermophotovoltaic (LHTPV) systems and compares their levelized cost of storage with Li-ion batteries in both long-duration storage and combined heat and power (CHP) applications. The results indicate that LHTPV systems have lower levelized cost of storage and are suitable for long-duration storage and CHP applications.