Energy storage by metals

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Energy storage)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr D Wen
Engineering and Materials Science
Queen Mary University of London

Standard

EPSRC

01 March 2011

29 February 2016

60 months

£1

No relevance to Underpinning Sectors

London

Process Environment and Sustainability

Dr D Wen, Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London

This project develops a novel concept, metal fuels (nanostructured metallic particles) as alternative energy storage media. In this concept, the energy storage process is the metal production process, where primary or renewable energy is consumed in converting metal-compounds to metals (fuels). The produced metals fuels can be easily stored stationary or transported to suitable locations by a variety of vehicles. The energy release process is achieved through the reaction (oxidization or combustion) of metals in suitable media such as air and water where energy in the form of heat or indirectly electricity or work is released. The end products, reacted solid particles, are recycled and processed back to metal form, forming a closed loop.A comprehensive work program is proposed to assess for the first time if metal fuels could be competitive energy storage media. While the focus of the project is on the energy release process, i.e. controlled reaction of metal fules in a variety of media including oxygen and water to achieve controlled heat release, the energy storage process (metal fuel production) and life cycle assessment will be also studied with the support from project partners. Five work packages are designed to achieve the goals, which include metal fuel production (energy storage), metal fuel reaction (energy release), the development of The Challenger Engine using metal as the only fuel, life cycle analysis of metal fuels and fundamental studies of metal fuels at nanoscale. The program crosses the boundary of physics, chemistry, materials and engineering, extending from fundamental studies to engineering applications. The technological challenges of each work package are identified and tackled through the collaboration with colleagues and leading experts of the field in the world.Properly addressed, metal fuel could be an excellent energy storage medium for both stationary and mobile applications, with advantages of high energy density, rich resource and easy storage and transportation. It could also be an excellent booster for the hydrogen economy by on-board production of hydrogen through controlled oxidation of metal fuels with water. The formation of economically valuable solid products, rather than gaseous emissions, enables the possibility of regeneration to metal form for continuous usage. Though full of challenges, the PI is confident to deliver the program and establish a world leading position in this exciting new field in a five-year period by building a strong focused team through the program

03/11/11