1414 Degrees commissions molten silicon energy storage system

Energy storage company 1414 Degrees has commissioned its SiBox Demonstration Module (SDM), marking a key funding milestone in the SiBox Development Agreement with Woodside Energy Technologies.

The commissioning phase involved extensive trials, demonstrating the SiBox molten silicon energy storage system’s ability to convert electric energy into a controlled very hot air stream suitable for industrial processes.

The SiBricks silicon storage media in the SDM showed excellent energy storage performance, successfully undergoing 32 cycles of phase change, according to the company.

1414 Degrees is constructing a solar PV power system near Port Augusta in South Australia on a site originally earmarked to include silicon storage – the system is now being further developed with the support of Woodside.

1414 Degrees Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty said: “Over the next 12 months, we anticipate that SiBox will emerge as an important emissions reduction solution for the industrial sectors that manufacture the infrastructure of our societies.

“With financial support from Woodside and the Australian Government Modern Manufacturing Initiative, we are well-positioned to make significant contributions to industries’ transition to clean energy.

“Our expertise in converting renewable electricity to zero-carbon heat, can help them tackle their unique challenges of high temperatures, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.”

1414 Degrees said SDM had previously shown its flexibility to meet a range of industry needs by operating at outlet temperatures ranging from 700°C to 850°C and delivering six to 12 hours continuous output at each set point.

“The SDM is now operating autonomously and is ready for continuous cycling and discharge testing over the next 12 months to complete the validation phase.

“Following successful validation and a commercialisation plan, Woodside will evaluate providing further funding to the SiBox business, including potentially acquiring an equity interest in the business.”

Further reading:
Woodside and 1414 degrees to develop silicon energy storage
1414 Degrees’ SiBox system milestone
Browse @AuManufacturing’s coverage of 1414 Degrees here.

Picture: 1414 Degrees