Fourth Power develops utility-scale thermal batteries that utilize inexpensive carbon blocks to store energy at high temperatures, enabling both short- and long-duration energy storage. This technology addresses the need for reliable renewable energy supply by providing cost-effective storage solutions that can scale from 5 to 500 hours, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Funding
$19M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are intermittent, creating a need for reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions to ensure a consistent power supply. Traditional energy storage methods, such as lithium-ion batteries, can be expensive and may not be scalable for long-duration storage needs.
Solution
Fourth Power develops utility-scale thermal batteries that utilize inexpensive carbon blocks to store energy at high temperatures, providing both short- and long-duration energy storage (LDES). The modular design allows the system to scale from 5 to 500 hours, adapting to current needs and future renewable energy deployment. By using thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power sticks, the system can quickly dispatch clean energy within seconds, offering grid operators flexible control. The thermal battery technology is engineered for safety, featuring an enclosed, non-pressurized system within an argon gas environment to prevent oxidation and thermal runaway.
Target Audience
Fourth Power's primary customers are utility companies and grid operators seeking cost-effective and scalable energy storage solutions to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid.
Features
- Utilizes inexpensive carbon blocks for thermal energy storage
- Achieves energy storage costs of less than $25/kWh-e
- Modular design enables scalable storage durations from 5 to 500 hours
- Employs thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power sticks for rapid dispatch of energy
- Operates at high temperatures, enabled by a Guinness World Record graphite plumbing system
- Enclosed system within an argon gas environment ensures safety and prevents oxidation
- Engineered for a 30+ year lifespan with no corrosion