Lehigh’s concrete thermal battery prototype stores 150 kWh and withstands 500°C

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a concrete-based thermal battery that could help data centers reuse heat removed from computing equipment. The prototype stores 150 kWh and has been tested at temperatures up to 500°C, according to TechRadar.

The system combines engineered cement with embedded thermosiphons, which transfer heat through the storage material during charging and discharge. It can be charged with recovered server heat or electricity, and its storage can be used at a different time from when the heat is produced.

Testing found that the system’s efficiency after a complete charge and discharge cycle exceeds 70%. For data centers, it can raise recovered heat to between 120°C and 220°C. That heat could be used in absorption chillers, drying, district heating and industrial processes. The technology could also support electricity generation, including with low-temperature Rankine cycle equipment.

The researchers say the system may suit facilities with changing computing loads and cooling needs. The project received partial funding from the federal government, and the technology has been licensed to a private energy company for further development.