Understanding Reactive Particle Based Granular Flows and Thermal and Chemical Transport in Thermochemical Energy Storage

New technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centers require efficient, low-cost, large-scale energy storage. One promising approach is thermochemical energy storage. This technology stores energy through reversible chemical reactions involving metal oxide particles. The technology can store heat for long time, run non-stop, and provide high-temperature heat for advanced manufacturing. However, the movement of reactive particles inside thermochemical energy storage reactors is poorly understood. Particle motion, gas flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions occur simultaneously, and each affects the others. This project will use experiments and computer modeling to determine how particles move and interact under extreme temperatures. The knowledge will accelerate development of new energy storage technologies while benefiting other industries that use processes involving moving particles. The project will train undergraduate and graduate students, integrate research discoveries into engineering education, and start outreach programs to engage young students and local communities in energy science. This project will help understand the fundamental particulate flow and thermal and chemical transport in particle-based thermochemical energy storage reactors. The approaches will include: (1) first-of-its-kind experimental design and measurement of particle mechanical and flow properties at temperatures up to 1500°C; (2) particle resolved computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations to reveal the local flow behavior; and (3) novel particulate flow control strategies through both CFD-DEM simulations and reactor tests. The experimental apparatus and characterization of flow properties at high temperature will provide valuable testing data for granular flows. Accurate CFD-DEM simulations that incorporate measured flow properties will reveal local flow behavior. Innovative particle flow control strategies will be tested through reactor demonstrations. Understanding relationships between local granular flow behavior and overall reactor performance will provide insights and guidance in particle bed flow control, flow regimes selection, and innovative reactor design for many applications beyond thermal energy storage, including cement production, biofuels production, carbon capture/sequestration, and particle-based pharmaceuticals and food industries where particulate flows play essential roles. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.