Heat Energy Recovery and Reuse for Electric Power Grid Optimization: Phase Change Materials as Thermal Storage Batteries

75534-High energy electrical transformers, underground oil-filled cables, switch gear, and related devices are critical parts of the electrical energy grid, which transmits and distributes electrical energy. While excess heat generated in the operation of these devices makes their performance less efficient, such heat is also capable of doing work. Therefore, this project will develop a new apparatus that takes the waste energy and puts it to work to control the temperature and maximize the efficiency of the transformer or other heat-generating electrical equipment. The technology relies on the transformer¿s waste heat, supplemented with energy stored from off-peak electricity use, to cool the transformer. Phase I will focus on the development of state-of-the-art thermal energy storage (TES) systems using phase change materials, a logical choice over more traditional sensible heat storage approaches, due to the need for a relatively compact storage device suitable for field installations. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The key application of this technology should be the cooling of electrical transformers in the 40-1000 MVA range, plus similar applications for other oil-filled electrical components. The electrical efficiency of transformers would be improved, lowering both the fossil fuel consumption and resultant air pollution of these electrical devices.