High‐Temperature Latent‐Heat Energy Storage Concept Based on Thermoelectronic Energy Conversion

Energy storage is particularly essential for renewable energy sources. Here we present the concept of high‐temperature latent‐heat storage coupled with thermoelectronic energy conversion. We analyze this concept and its potential for storing large quantities of energy for several days. We investigate the efficiency of electricity generation and storage by using a single thermoelectronic energy converter and a bottoming cycle with a steam turbine. For storage temperatures above 1400 °C and large amounts of stored energy (>100 MWh), the maximum energy conversion efficiencies of such systems are high. Thus the proposed systems are attractive storage solutions for excessive heat storage and heat‐on‐demand delivery of large‐scale thermal solar power plants. Energy storage: Energy storage is one of today's key challenges. We describe a new, grid‐scale energy storage concept that exploits the high energy density of latent‐heat storage and the high efficiency of thermoelectronic energy converters. Such systems are evaluated as potential solutions to store excessive heat from fluctuating heat sources such as solar radiation.