Low Cost, Long Duration Energy Storage Using Proprietary Concrete Technology
Our Technology
Storworks’ thermal energy storage (TES) system is designed to provide maximum flexibility for a wide range of applications. The concrete TES can be charged from steam, waste heat, or resistively heated air, depending on application. Energy can then be stored for hours or days with minimal losses. The blocks can produce steam or hot air when needed and can be the “fuel source” for a conventional power plant steam turbine, generating on-demand electricity.
Storworks BolderBlocs
The Storworks system is built from our patented high-performance concrete BolderBlocs, which contain air and/or steam tubes, depending on application. BolderBlocs are modular and can be configured for a wide range of capacities and applications, from small industrial systems to reliably providing steam for large power plants.
BolderBlocs are made from a proprietary high-temperature concrete mixture utilizing fly ash and have been extensively tested for cycling at over 600°C (1100°F). Because they are energy dense and stackable, Storworks systems have a much smaller footprint than competing technologies, allowing storage to be integrated into existing facilities. Importantly for operators, BolderBlocs have no hazardous materials, pose no fire risk, and require minimal maintenance, making BolderBlocs the ideal energy storage solution.
Testing & Validation
Gaston Demonstration Facility
Storworks has constructed a 10MWhe, first of its kind concrete energy storage demonstration facility at Southern Company’s Gaston coal-fired generating plant. The project was funded by the DOE, EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute), and other industry partners to prove the performance of Storworks’ BolderBloc technology.
Storworks 10MWhe system installed at Plant Gaston
Installation and stacking of Storworks BolderBlocs
Economic Benefits
With utilities set to close more than 99 gigawatts of coal generation by 2030 in the US alone, Storworks Power provides solutions to reuse the infrastructure and maintain the jobs and tax base of legacy power plants that would otherwise be lost.
Storworks’ FlexJoule system turns legacy plants into flexible energy storage assets and provides a second life for the plant. The turbine and associated plant equipment continue to be used, fed by heat from the FlexJoule system. Only the coal/gas boiler is retired (along with its associated emissions), making the reconfigured plant a highly attractive energy asset.
Storworks’ technology can also be used allow plants to operate more profitably and efficiently, with lower emissions, reduced water use, and decreased operating costs, extending the useful life of conventional assets while meeting key environmental and cost targets.
