Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new form of energy storage designed to help commercial buildings cut carbon emissions by capturing surplus renewable electricity and delivering heating or cooling when required.
The compact thermochemical storage system, created by Professor Yongliang Li, Chair in Thermal Energy Engineering at the University’s School of Chemical Engineering, is aimed at buildings where conventional low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps are difficult to install or operate efficiently. A 5 kW laboratory demonstrator has already been built, showing how the system can respond to smart tariffs and grid signals to charge when renewable electricity is plentiful and release energy when demand rises.
Unlike conventional thermal storage, which relies on hot water tanks and gradually loses heat to its surroundings, the new system uses advanced thermochemical materials that store energy through a reversible chemical reaction. This allows energy to be stored for long periods without loss and at much higher energy density.
Professor Li said: “Thermochemical storage behaves more like a fuel than a hot water tank. Because it is triggered by a chemical reaction, there is no energy loss during storage, which allows for much greater efficiency and long-term storage capability.”
He added that the technology could play an important role in easing pressure on the electricity grid as buildings electrify. “The increased generation of zero-carbon power means the limiting factor is now the flexibility of energy storage systems. By storing electricity when it is cheap and abundant and releasing it when buildings need heating or cooling, this type of technology can unlock the full value of clean energy.”
Early analysis suggests the system could offer lower upfront and operating costs than existing alternatives.
The research team is now working with a UK industrial partner to develop a fully integrated pilot system at a practical scale. University of Birmingham Enterprise is also seeking additional commercial partners to trial the technology in energy-intensive settings such as HVAC, manufacturing and commercial buildings.
