As the globe switches to renewable energy sources, it is critical to address their intermittent nature. The thermal sand battery provides a cost-effective energy storage system for home heating applications, similar to lithium-ion batteries. It requires no expert installation, can be installed in any room, and allows customers to heat their homes on a regular basis or override the schedule for instant usage, providing flexibility and cost savings by charging during off-peak electric rates.
The thermal sand battery has internal sensors to monitor battery temperatures and external sensors to measure ambient temperature, which ensures effective heat release. It charges by a relay-controlled internal heating element and has an LCD for user interaction. This makes it affordable for renters and low-income households, addressing major power consumption in American homes without the degrading issues associated with chemical batteries.
Environmentally, the thermal sand battery is less energy intensive to make than lithium batteries since it uses readily available sand, including rejected building sand. It follows the principle of producing "dirt cheap" batteries using recyclable materials such as copper, nickel, and stainless steel. This strategy relies on stable supply chains, eliminating the complications of international lithium supply dependencies, resulting in a sustainable and viable energy storage solution.