Assessment of the use of chemical reaction systems in electric utility applications. Final report

Abstract

Results are presented of the first phase of an assessment of the use of chemical reaction systems (CRS's) in electric utility applications. Various chemical energy conversion concepts are being considered as a means to store and/or transport energy. The objective of this study was to determine which, if any, of these twenty-four CRS's and seventeen other CRS's identified in this study could be beneficially used in electric utility applications prior to the year 2000. This objective was approached by analyzing potential near and intermediate term electric utility applications for storing/transporting thermal energy and then matching the characteristics of the CRS's with the various application requirements. The characterization of energy sources, uses and CRS's resulted in an array of potentially hundreds of matches. A methodology was developed that resulted in the selection of four applications for conceptual design and equipment cost estimate. Two of the systems were for on-site storage of thermal energy; two of the systems were for transport of thermal energy between locations 25 miles apart. The technical feasibility of selected CRS systems to transport energy over 25 miles long distances was established. An economic evaluation was not within the Phase I scope of work. However, based on equipment more » cost, CRS's are capital intensive and are expected to show a high cost per unit of energy relative to current energy costs. « less