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Electrified Thermal Solutions Unveils Joule Hive™ Thermal Battery

In a significant advancement for industrial energy solutions, Boston-based company Electrified Thermal Solutions has successfully launched its first commercial-scale Joule Hive™ Thermal Battery at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio. This innovative system is designed to utilize electric power from the grid efficiently, storing up to 20 MWh of heat at peak temperatures of 1,800°C (3,275°F).

The Joule Hive™ offers industries the ability to supply hot gas on-demand for various applications, including industrial furnaces, boilers, and kilns. With the option to adjust hot gas temperatures to an industry-leading 1,500°C (2,730°F) and potentially reaching up to 1,800°C, it serves sectors like steel, cement, chemicals, and glassmaking, where the demand for high temperatures is critical. This thermal battery realizes a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels by harnessing low-cost renewable electricity.

A Game-Changer for Industrial Heating

With industrial heat accounting for roughly 20% of global energy consumption and a staggering 89% derived from fossil fuels, the Joule Hive™ is poised to greatly impact this sector. The system's capacity to draw directly from the 13.2 kV AC power grid allows it to be compatible with the standard line voltages found in industrial areas globally, thereby reducing costs associated with other electric heating systems like step-down transformers.

As electricity prices drop, particularly during off-peak hours, companies can capitalize on this trend. Daniel Stack, CEO and co-founder of Electrified Thermal Solutions, emphasized the implications of this technology: “Industry has long been looking for ways to manage the rising costs and volatility of energy. With the Joule Hive™ Thermal Battery, manufacturers now have access to process heat at high temperature levels driven by the most affordable electricity available.” This fundamentally changes the cost structure associated with industrial heat.

Meeting Diverse Industry Needs

The Joule Hive™’s versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of applications, from food and beverage production to manufacturing processes involving pulp and paper. Its proprietary electrically conductive firebricks are engineered for durability, promising over 20 years of operational lifespan while effectively storing energy during periods of lower electricity costs.

Electrified Thermal is on a path to deploy an impressive 2 gigawatts (GW) of thermal power capacity by the year 2030, having already secured letters of intent from various customers across different industries. The operational rollout of the Joule Hive™ system at SwRI sets a solid foundation for commercial partnerships beginning in 2026.

Sustainable Energy Transition

Electrified Thermal Solutions stands at the forefront of the transition towards zero-carbon industrial heat, providing a more sustainable option compared to traditional natural gas sources. Developed at MIT and reinforced by strategic collaborations with major industrial players such as Holcim and ArcelorMittal, the Joule Hive™ Thermal Battery exemplifies a significant leap in electric heating technology. The innovative system converts and stores electricity as heat, delivering unprecedented near-flame temperatures while emphasizing sustainability and economic viability for industries reliant on high-temperature processes.

In summary, the Joule Hive™ Thermal Battery represents a monumental shift in how industries can approach their energy needs, offering a cleaner, more efficient heating solution that directly competes with fossil fuels, thereby promising cost savings and environmental benefits over time.