CSPPLAZA Photothermal Power Grid: Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar) has signed an agreement with Cleanergy to work on a Heat storage System (TES) for Cleanergy's Stirling solar thermal power generation technology, with plans to release a breakthrough heat storage system for Stirling solar thermal power generation in June 2018.

Under the agreement, the two parties will seek the best heat storage materials for Stirling's solar thermal power system and generate dispatchable solar power based on the system. The development of reliable and efficient heat storage materials and the integration of the solution with Cleanergy's efficient Stirling engine is critical, and the modular design of the entire system will enable the system to produce dispatch power at a competitive price, according to the company.

Steve Griffiths, interim Executive Vice President of the Institute of Science at the Khalifa University of Technology, said: "Thermal generation with thermal storage systems is a promising form of generation that can meet demand and provide sufficient power to grid companies."

Steve Griffiths added: "While Cleanergy's Stirling solar thermal power system is efficient at converting heat to electricity, it must be configured with energy storage to provide a constant 24 hour output at a price comparable to other forms of power, such as photovoltaic. "At the same time, we will focus on finding the best performance PCM materials that will allow Cleanergy's Stirling system to store heat longer and produce more power."

In addition, Jonas Eklind, CEO of Cleanergy said, "Through this collaboration, the Cleanergy heat storage system solution will soon be available. The Masdar Institute is an excellent partner in developing solutions for heat storage systems, as it has a strong position in renewable energy research in the Middle East and North Africa region where solar power is being developed. "In 2018, we will demonstrate that this system can produce dispatchable electricity and meet demand at a price that is cheaper than any fossil fuel."

The Masdar Institute Solar Experimental Platform (MISP) is a unique research facility for solar thermal power generation and heat storage systems that can demonstrate and validate novel solar thermal power generation systems to researchers in harsh desert environments. Launched in 2015, the platform aims to promote the development of solar thermal power generation and heat storage system technology. It is noteworthy that Masdar Institute has successfully attracted a number of researchers and companies from all over the world with its expertise in thermal power generation and heat storage systems.

Dr Nicolas Calvet, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the Masdar Institute, added: "Innovation in heat storage systems is crucial for the development of renewable energy solutions in the UAE and globally. Our partnership with Cleanergy aims to develop the technology needed to improve Stirling engine efficiency and bring Cleanergy's solar thermal power technology to market quickly."