Knowledge Transfer brings new understanding to liquid air energy storage systems

In January, the University of Brighton completed a two year project with Highview Power Storage, to develop understanding of the material used in high grade power storage, and influence design guidelines for future plants. 

26 January 2017

Highview’s Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) technology has the ability to provide energy to service a growing multi-billion dollar energy storage market for utility and distributed power systems.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with the University of Brighton has given the company new understanding of their High Grade Cold Store (HGCS) which will impact on future plants.

The project, which was delivered by one of the university’s own graduates, used a range of lab-scale test rigs to develop knowledge and understanding of the cryogenic performance of materials within the cold store, which is a key component of Highview’s system.

Brighton graduate Tim Gardhouse working at HighviewKTP Associate and University of Brighton graduate, Tim Gardhouse pictured here (right) at work at Highview Power Storage with colleague Stuart Nelmes (left).
University of Brighton graduate Tim Gardhouse pictured at HighviewKTP Associate and University of Brighton graduate, Tim Gardhouse.

The project also developed models of the HGCS, simulating the dynamic temperature changes across the thermal store. These models were validated in-situ at Highview Power Storage’s 5MW LAES technology demonstration plant which is being commissioned at a site near Manchester.

This new understanding is already being used within the demonstration plant and will be fed into the design guidelines for future cold stores, ensuring cost effective engineering and procurement practices, in this rapidly developing sector.

Highview Power Storage Chief Executive Gareth Brett said: “Working with the University of Brighton on the KTP gave us efficient, interactive access to targeted academic research and expertise, and a means of integrating this directly into our business. As a technology SME, this was invaluable to unlocking the rapid progressive development of a critical part of our system.”

The project was supported by the university’s Advanced Engineering Centre in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics with additional input from geology experts from the School of Environment.

Dr Emily Pike-Wilson from the Advanced Engineering Centre said: “It has been immensely rewarding to apply our modelling and experimentation expertise to this real-world novel technology, and this was only strengthened by collaborating with colleagues on the material characterisation elements of the project. Contributing to the development of future renewable energy plants is something we are all very proud to be involved in.