What is a fourth power battery?

Henry’s designs form the basis of a new company, Fourth Power, which he founded last year. Fourth Power’s thermal battery stores energy in the form of graphite blocks kept at around 2,400°C (4,350°F). The blocks are charged by molten tin, which is heated using electricity from solar panels or wind turbines.

What is the fourth power thermal battery?

The Fourth Power Thermal Battery can store intermittent solar and wind generation, making renewable energy as reliable as fossil fuels while remaining cost-competitive. In its 23rd year, the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers honors novel and inventive technology that addresses society’s well-being and economic growth.

Why is 4th power a grid-scale battery?

Each subsystem of Fourth Power’s thermal battery is separately housed – this allows energy and power to be scaled independently. Grid-scale, long-duration batteries must have flexible discharge rates and reaction times to give grid operators complete control over how and when the stored energy is used.

What is 4th power?

That’s where Fourth Power comes in. Our technology makes renewable energy an on-demand energy source through utility-scale thermal storage. We can harness today’s wasted wind and solar production to respond to grid needs at a cost competitive with fossil fuels.

Why should you choose 4th power?

Fourth Power’s heater operates at an extremely high temperature – almost half the temperature of the sun – which enables the system to have high power density. Our thermal battery technology was engineered with safety in mind from start to finish. The enclosed system is not pressurized – there is no risk of explosion.

Where will fourth power be built?

The round was led by DCVC with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the Black Venture Capital Consortium. Fourth Power plans to have its pilot up and running in two years, Henry said. It’ll be built at MIT’s Bates Lab about a half hour north of Boston.