For millennia, bricks have been a cornerstone of human innovation, allowing us to build higher and stronger structures than ever before. However, with the advent of new technologies, it seems that bricks are poised to regain their status as cutting-edge technology. Enter Electrified Thermal Solutions (ETS), a startup that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with thermal batteries.
The Problem with Hydrogen
Heavy industry relies heavily on fossil fuels for both power and heat. However, getting the high temperatures required to produce steel, cement, or other materials is either difficult or expensive using today’s electric heating technology. This has led many to look at hydrogen as a potential solution. Unfortunately, developing green hydrogen capacity is prohibitively expensive.
Thermal Batteries: A Game-Changer
Enter thermal batteries, also known as thermal energy storage systems. These devices can be charged during periods of low electricity demand and released when heat is needed. The beauty of thermal batteries lies in their ability to provide consistent and reliable heat, making them an attractive solution for industries that require high temperatures.
How it Works
ETS’s Joule Hive thermal battery is a brick-like structure made from semiconductor materials that are doped with electrically conductive properties. These bricks can be heated by running electricity through them, just like a toaster. The thermal mass of the bricks and their insulated container allow them to hold heat for hours or even days.
The Benefits
- Over 95% of the electricity used to charge the thermal battery can be recovered as heat.
- The heat produced is hot – nearing 2,000 degrees C (3,632 degrees F) – making it suitable for a range of industrial applications.
- ETS claims its heat source is at least three times cheaper than hydrogen.
A Cheaper Alternative to Natural Gas
While the cost of thermal batteries may be higher than natural gas in some regions, ETS believes that its technology will become more competitive once carbon prices are factored into the equation. In areas with widespread wind and solar power, such as Texas or the Midwest, ETS’s bricks could provide a cheaper heat source than natural gas.
The Journey So Far
ETS has raised $4.75 million to date, including a $4.5 million seed round led by Clean Energy Ventures. The company is refining its pilot system and plans to scale up to commercial production soon. Once the technology is ready, ETS will sell either heat from the batteries or the complete system.
A Decade in the Making
ETS’s co-founder and CEO, Dan Stack, has been working on this technology for over a decade. The idea began as graduate research at MIT, where Stack was looking to solve the problem of reliable and efficient thermal energy storage. The result is a game-changing solution that could revolutionize heavy industry.
Conclusion
Electrified Thermal Solutions is poised to disrupt the status quo in heavy industry. With its innovative thermal battery technology, ETS offers a cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating methods. As the world continues to transition towards a low-carbon future, ETS’s technology could play a significant role in reducing emissions and driving growth.
About the Author
Tim De Chant is a senior climate reporter at TechCrunch. He has written for a wide range of publications, including Wired magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Ars Technica, The Wire China, and NOVA Next, where he was founding editor.
