Method for storing electrical energy in solid matter

Abstract

The method includes two technological segments (i) a reduction segment and (ii) an oxidation segment that are interconnected by various support technological processes for the regeneration of solutions and gases and heat recuperation. The reduction segment includes an electrolysis that is performed from a solution of chloride salts of an energy carrier. During the electrolysis, these elements reduce to a lower oxidation state, solidify on the electrodes or precipitate to a solid state. The solid substance thus obtained is the energy carrier that can be stored outside of the electrolyser until a need for additional energy emerges. During the electrolysis, chlorine gas develops that is collected and dissolved in water. An HCl solution is regenerated, which is used in the oxidation segment. Oxygen is released in this process. The energy that has thus been stored in the oxidation potential of the energy carrier is released during a spontaneous chemical reaction between the energy carrier and the HCl solution in the oxidation segment. In this chemical reaction, the oxidation state of the chemical elements which constitute the energy carrier is increased to an oxidation state identical to that from before the beginning of the electrolysis. The reaction product hydrogen is formed that represents a high calorific fuel. This fuel can be immediately converted to heat or electrical energy, without a need for intermediate storage, by known methods. Only water enters the entire method, oxygen and hydrogen leave, while the cycle is closed/cyclic for the remaining substances.