| Abstract: | A solar power system and materials capable of storing heat energy by
thermochemical energy storage are disclosed. Thermal energy is stored as
chemical potential in these materials through a reversible
reduction-oxidation reaction. Thermal energy from concentrated sunlight
drives a highly endothermic reduction reaction that liberates lattice
oxygen from the oxide to form O.sub.2 gas, leaving energy-rich,
oxygen-depleted particles. When desired, the heat is recovered as the
particles are re-oxidized in an exothermic reaction upon exposure to air.
The system may be integrated with a power generation system to generate
power. |