Aalborg CSP A/S and NEST AS have jointly developed a cost-competitive thermal energy storage (TES) system. The cooperation have aligned world-class expertise from both companies to design and deliver a direct-steam-to/from-concrete storage system enabling predictable and on-demand power generation with low operation and maintenance expenses.

The direct-steam storage concept (patent pending) is based on NEST's already patented thermal energy storage technology using Heatcrete® as storage medium with embedded heat exchangers combined with Aalborg CSP's efficient and reliable steam generator design, with natural circulation, that has already proven its superior performance in some of the world's leading CSP plants.

The newly developed direct-steam storage concept is a novel configuration of thermal energy storage and steam generation, ensuring on-demand power production during peak demand periods, when there is no or limited energy generation from the sun or other fluctuating renewable energy sources.

As an easy to install and operate add-on to the CSP plant, the direct-steam storage technology extend daily steam and power generationup to 24 hours, or more, enabling delivery of electricity at peak price periods and substantially increasing overall plant revenue.

The direct-steam storage concept is cost-effective compared to conventional molten-salt-based energy storage systems, as the safe and durable solid-state storage medium combined with the natural circulating steam generator with NO need for any electrical heat tracing, guarantees low parasitic load and significantly reduces operation and maintenance costs, while  increasing plant availability.

The operational and investment cost benefits, in addition to the flexible scalability of the system makes it well suited also for off-grid, co-generation and micro-grid applications, where plant availability and energy supply security are of outmost importance. Moreover, the modular storage elements are made from readily available raw materials that can typically be sourced locally.

The energy storage technology can be easily customized to fit project specific requirements including power generation, seawater desalination, process steam, district heating/cooling and so on.

"The cooperation between Aalborg CSP and NEST expands the horizon for the CSP market as performance increase will lower the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of power plants with global technology competitiveness as a result" - said Svante Bundgaard, CEO of Aalborg CSP.

"The direct-steam technology will allow our companies to deliver much needed energy storage solutions for CSP projects and also to industrial plants with process steam requirements. The cooperation is expanding the existing market for our energy storage solutions designed for parabolic trough plants using thermal oil" - said Jarl Pedersen, Vice President Marketing & Sales at NEST.

Meet us at CSP Today Sevilla 2014

On 12-13 November 2014, Aalborg CSP and NEST will be attending the 8th International Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit  held in Seville, Spain. All visitors are invited to stop by our booth (nr.10 & nr. 11) to meet senior representatives from Aalborg CSP and NEST.

Press contact:

 

Jelica Matoricz
International Marketing Manager
Aalborg CSP A/S
Phone: +45 88 16 88 47
E-mail: jem@aalborgcsp.com

Jon E. Bergan
Market and Strategic Analysis
NEST AS
Phone: +47 47 36 97 83
E-mail: jeb@energy-nest.com

 

About Aalborg CSP A/S

Aalborg CSP A/S is a world leader in CSP boiler systems and technologies. Our globally recognised solutions are based on 25 years of experience with traditional steam boilers uniquely adapted to the CSP industry. We design and deliver steam generation systems, molten salt and steam tower receivers, industrial solar boilers and integrated CSP energy systems that combine heat and electricity production as well as water desalination. Aalborg CSP has supplied to CSP Plants contributing to more than 330MWe worldwide.

Our engineering design is centred on a value-adding concept aiming to provide high bankability potential as a benefit of excellent and reliable performance. Our world-class project management expertise ensures delivery reliable on quality, budget and deadline commitments.

Headquartered in Aalborg (Denmark) and with sales & service offices in Spain, US, Kenya, Uganda and Indonesia, Aalborg CSP has realised cost effective thermal energy solutions to a variety of industries worldwide.

For more information visit www.AalborgCSP.com or follow us on Linkedin.

About NEST

NEST is an innovation-driven knowledge company. The company enjoys a strong IP and proprietary position in the field of thermal energy storage (TES) systems. NEST has expertise in the field of materials, energy systems, structural mechanics and engineering, advanced simulation analysis, and is continuously carrying out R&D to provide leading edge energy storage technologies to the market. In collaboration with partner companies NEST will provide complete EPC and turn-key thermal energy storage solutions to clients around the world.

For more information visit www.energy-NEST.com