An ancient method of storing heat may hold the key to a sustainable future with clean energy, according to a recent study.
This ingenious technology, which dates back to the Bronze Age, could provide an efficient and cost-effective way to meet the United Nations’ climate goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Clear the energy storage with fire bricks
The method in question involves the use of specially mixed heat-absorbing bricks known as fire bricks.
These bricks are packed in an insulated container, keeping the heat generated by solar or wind energy at the temperature required for industrial processes.
The stored heat can be released when needed by allowing air to flow through the channels inside the firebrick stacks.
It is a simple but powerful solution that allows industries such as cement, steel, glass and paper manufacturers to run on renewable energy when wind and sunlight are not available. This approach would allow a seamless transition to clean energy sources.
This concept of storing thermal energy is not entirely new and several companies have started selling it for industrial heat storage.
Bronze Age Technology
The firebricks used are made of the same material that used to line ovens and furnaces in ancient times. The real innovation lies in the composition and size of these devices, which have been developed to effectively retain heat rather than just protect against heat.
While traditional batteries store electricity from renewable sources and generate heat when needed, firebricks offer a unique opportunity.
Lead study author Mark Z. Jacobson is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability and School of Engineering.
“The difference between brick storage and battery storage is that the bricks store heat instead of electricity and are a tenth of the cost of batteries. The materials are also simple, they are basically waste particles,” Jacobson said.
Many industrial processes require high temperatures. For example, the production of cement requires a temperature of at least 1,300 degrees Celsius, while glass, steel and metal-making require 1,000 degrees Celsius or more.
About 17% of all global carbon dioxide emissions can be traced back to the burning of fossil fuels to generate heat for these industrial processes.
Therefore, generating industrial heat from renewable sources can significantly reduce these emissions.
Improving energy storage
Focusing on energy storage as close to consumption as possible can reduce conversion inefficiencies.
The concept is as clear as saving hot water for hot showers and ice for cold drinks. In this case, the study suggested: “If you need heat for industry, store it in fire bricks.”
The researchers analyzed the effect of using firebricks to save most of the industrial heat in the future where every country has turned to renewable energy sources such as wind, geothermal, hydropower and solar.
Research has revealed that firebricks can accelerate this change at low cost, creating benefits for health, climate, jobs and energy security.
A clean future with clean energy
In addition to helping the environment, accelerating the transition to clean energy also affects people’s health.
Previous studies have revealed that pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels causes millions of premature deaths every year.
“Every fossil fuel we convert to electricity reduces that air pollution,” Jacobson said, pointing to the urgent need to find cost-effective ways to accelerate this transition.
Driven by a desire to find practical, quick solutions, Jacobson turned his attention to fire bricks. He believes that the cost-saving approach will be easily adopted, thus, accelerating the global transition to clean renewable resources.
The potential impact of this Bronze Age technology is huge, and it promises many benefits at a low cost, from reduced mortality to air pollution to clean energy.
Modern styles with old styles
As we explore the potential of firebricks, it is important to use modern technology to improve these ancient methods. New materials such as advanced composites and nano-coatings can improve the ability to retain heat.
Integrating smart technologies, such as IoT sensors and AI algorithms, can improve thermal energy efficiency.
For example, smart sensors are able to monitor the temperature in real time, ensuring efficient heat retention and release. This data-driven approach helps manufacturers coordinate production and availability of renewable energy.
Educating industry stakeholders and demonstrating the benefits of firebrick technology through workshops and pilot programs can encourage adoption, bridging the gap between old wisdom and modern solutions for a clean, sustainable future. stable.
The study was published in the journal PNAS Nexus.
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