Page 59 - Energize May 2022
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TECHNICAL
Prof. Kasper Moth-Poulsen A compact thermoelectric generator near the isomer converts the stored solar heat energy to electric energy
Fossil free, emissions free to streamline the system. The amount of
Although the research has great potential for renewable and emissions-free energy electricity or heat it can extract needs to
production, a lot of research and development remains before we will be able to charge our be increased. Even if the energy system is
technical gadgets or heat our homes with the system’s stored solar energy. based on simple basic materials, it needs to
“Together with the various research groups included in the project, we are now working be adapted to be sufficiently cost-effective
to produce, and thus possible to launch
more broadly,” says Prof. Moth-Poulsen.
More about the MOST technology
Molecular Solar Thermal Energy (MOST)
storage is a closed energy system based on
a specially designed molecule of carbon
hydrogen and nitrogen which when struck
by sunlight changes shape into an energy-
rich isomer, i.e., a molecule made up of
the same atoms but arranged together in a
different way.
Figure 3: Schematic illustration of the MOST to power generation concept The isomer can then be stored in liquid
form for later use when needed such as
at night or in winter. The researchers have
refined the system to the point that it is
now possible to store the energy for up
to 18 years. A specially designed catalyst
releases the saved energy as heat while
returning the molecule to its original
shape, so it can then be reused in the
heating system. Now, in combination with
a µm-thin thermoelectric generator, the
energy system can also generate electricity
on demand.
Click here to watch a video
about MOST technology
Contact Mia Halleröd Palmgren,
Chalmers University of Technology,
mia.hallerodpalmgren@chalmers.se,
Converting heat into electricity www.chalmers.se
energize | May 2022 | 57
