Simulation of an open-loop, packed-bed pumped thermal electricity storage system

Abstract

A Pumped Thermal Electricity Storage system is described with an open-loop architecture, using packed bed sensible heat energy storage without heat exchangers. Operating strategies are proposed to achieve a reasonable storage utilisation factor while respecting practical limits for off-design operation of the compressors and expanders. A model of the packed bed behaviour has been developed using one-dimensional packed bed simulation techniques. The initial results serve as a preliminary validation of the technical concept, and the model can serve a foundation for parametric optimisation in future work.