Helios Thermal Energy Storage System

Stage: Round 3

Essential for a low-carbon energy system, energy storage enhances grid flexibility and copes with intermittent renewables. Locally, it significantly cuts energy costs. Current commercial solutions are underdeveloped, with high costs limiting market uptake; competitiveness requires a cost per kWh below £0.07.

Micro-SME Helios Limited aims to test a smart combined heat and power energy storage system (TESS). The smart-enabled device utilizes off-peak electricity, storing heat at ~£0.02/kWh in a high-density medium. It employs a Sterling motor for peak-hour electricity generation, using heat losses for water matrix heating. The TESS can also feed energy back into the grid and store renewable energy from sources like solar PV, showcasing a multifunctional, efficient energy storage solution.