Thermal batteries are more advantageous than lithium-ion batteries in several industries where high-temperature heat is necessary and where cost efficiency, environmental benefits, and flexibility are crucial. Here are some specific industries where thermal batteries are particularly beneficial:
Industries Where Thermal Batteries Are More Advantageous
- Industrial Heating in Manufacturing
- Metal Parts and Equipment Production: Thermal batteries can deliver temperatures up to 1,500 to 1,700°C, suitable for processes like smelting and forging.
- Glassmaking: Requires high-temperature heat, making thermal batteries ideal for achieving the necessary temperatures (e.g., above 1,000°C) without using fossil fuels.
- Chemicals and Refining
- Thermal batteries can supply heat at temperatures up to 1,800°C, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions when paired with renewable energy.
- These batteries can pre-heat reactants or directly heat reactors used in chemical reactions, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion-based heating.
- Food Processing
- Thermal batteries can provide reliable heat for sterilization and cooking processes in food production facilities.
- Their ability to store energy when electricity is cheap and deliver it when needed helps manage costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Renewable Fuels and Biofuels Production
- Thermal batteries can support the production of biofuels by providing consistent heat when needed, reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional heating methods.
- Grid Support
- By storing excess energy produced during off-peak hours of renewable energy generation, thermal batteries can help stabilize the grid, reducing curtailment and improving overall system resilience.
Why Thermal Batteries Are Preferred Over Lithium-Ion
- Cost: Thermal batteries have significantly lower capital costs compared to lithium-ion batteries. They do not require rare minerals, making them more affordable for large-scale industrial applications.
- Scalability: Thermal batteries can be scaled up to meet large industrial heat demands without the same material constraints as lithium-ion batteries.
- Temperature Delivery: They can achieve much higher temperatures than lithium-ion batteries, which are better suited for electrical energy storage rather than direct heat provision.
- Environmental Impact: When charged with renewable energy, thermal batteries offer a cleaner source of heat compared to combustion-based methods, reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-industries-where-thermal-batteries-are-more-advantageous-than-lithium-ion-batteries/
