MAN and ABB introduce CO2-based energy storage solution

MAN Diesel & Turbo Schweiz AG has signed a cooperation agreement with ABB Switzerland for the development, production and commercialization of a three-way energy-storage system. The new Electro-Thermal Energy Storage system (ETES) stores large-scale electricity, heat and cold for distribution to consumers. ETES uses surplus renewable-electricity to generate heat and cold for storage in insulated reservoirs during a so-called ‘charging cycle’. The heat and cold can be converted back into electrical energy on demand.

The turbomachinery technology and the process design of the charging and discharging cycle are the key elements of this energy-storage system and reflect MAN Diesel & Turbo’s core competences. ETES features MAN’s hermetically-sealed turbo compressor HOFIM within the charging cycle to compress the CO2 working fluid to its supercritical state at typically 140 bar and ca. 120°C.

It is possible to distribute the stored cold and heat to different types of consumers. For instance, heat can be transferred to district heating, the food-processing industry, laundry facilities, etc., whereas applications for the cold include cooling data-centers, ice-hockey arenas or air-conditioning for skyscrapers. The system is location-independent and designed to suit various boundary conditions. Dr. Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: "The biggest challenge in building stable, climate-neutral energy systems is the intermittency of renewable energy in power generation and supply.

To match an increasing consumer demand for energy with a fluctuating supply, the world needs reliable energy-storage systems.” Lauber added: “At MAN Diesel & Turbo we have made it our mission to drive the transition towards a carbon-neutral world.

Together with our partner, ABB, we now offer a complete solution for the storage, use and distribution of electrical and thermal energy that is groundbreaking.” Prof. Dr. Hans Gut, Managing Director of MAN Diesel & Turbo Schweiz AG, said: “ETES is the only storage system able to store electricity, heat and cold at the same time and also distribute them to consumers, which makes it unique.” He continued: “Due to the high overall efficiency, the modular character of the system and its low impact on the environment, ETES is a sustainable energy-storage solution that is suitable for a wide range of applications worldwide.”