42 Technology has supported the launch of RheEnergise’s first 500kW high-density hydro energy-storage project at Cornwood in Devon.
The hillside system is RheEnergise’s first real-world test site for its long-duration energy-storage solution and is now producing full power as designed and predicted, the companies said.
The project uses pumped hydro principles with a proprietary high-density working fluid to deliver storage in locations unsuitable for traditional hydro schemes.
42 Technology worked with RheEnergise’s engineering teams in the UK and Canada to design and develop a semi-automated plant to manufacture the environmentally friendly fluid.
The plant has proven fluid production at scale and has been used to prepare consistent batches for transfer into the main reservoir.
The consultancy’s role also covered planning, risk reduction, detailed system design, process automation and control-system programming, as well as support during the equipment build phase.
“Our work with RheEnergise has been a great example of engineering innovation with real potential to change the world for the better,” said Dr Peter Brown, 42 Technology’s chief commercial officer.
“It’s exciting to see their first ever high-density hydro project is now producing full power, at the predicted output and on a consistent basis.”
The demonstrator marks a major milestone for RheEnergise as it develops a new form of long-duration storage using a fluid 2.5 times denser than water.
“Commissioning our 500 kW demonstrator is a major step in proving our unique approach as a practical LDES solution,” said Tamás Bertényi, RheEnergise’s chief technology officer.
“42 Technology’s process design and automation experience has been vital in getting us to this point, and validating our fluid-production method under real-world conditions.”