Fourth Power’s Sci-Fi Thermal Batteries May Outperform Costly Natural Gas Plants
Fourth Power, a startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is making strides in the field of long-duration energy storage with an innovative technology that utilizes thermal batteries. These batteries, which incorporate superheated liquid tin and argon-filled chambers, aim to provide a cost-effective solution for storing electricity. The company’s ultimate goal is to make renewable energy sources like solar and wind viable options for continuous power supply, available around the clock.
Innovative Energy Storage Technology
Fourth Power’s technology operates by using electricity from the grid to heat blocks of carbon within insulated chambers filled with argon gas. This process allows the system to store energy efficiently. When electricity is required, molten tin, heated to an impressive 2,400°C (4,352°F), is pumped through specially designed graphite pipes. Graphite is the only cost-effective material capable of withstanding such extreme temperatures. The system then employs thermophotovoltaic cells, which function similarly to solar panels, to convert the infrared light emitted by the hot tin back into electricity.
The startup has spent the last two years refining this technology and is now gearing up to construct its first full-scale battery. If successful, Fourth Power anticipates delivering commercial-scale batteries to customers by 2028, potentially at a price point that could compete with both lithium-ion batteries and traditional peaking natural-gas plants.
Performance and Efficiency
In its operational model, Fourth Power envisions a system that charges and discharges daily, providing continuous electricity for approximately eight hours or more. This duration is notably longer than the typical performance of most grid-scale lithium-ion batteries. The insulation system, made from petroleum coke—a byproduct of oil refining—ensures that temperatures remain stable, with only a 1% loss of stored energy per day. This efficiency is a key selling point for the technology, as it promises to deliver reliable energy storage.
Currently, the company is conducting extensive testing on smaller versions of its system to validate performance and durability. Co-founder and CEO Arvin Ganesan emphasized the importance of these tests, stating that they are focused on ensuring the expected power output and the longevity of the system.
Funding and Future Plans
To support its ambitious plans, Fourth Power has recently raised $20 million in a funding round dubbed Series A Plus. This round was led by Munich Re Ventures, with additional participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures and DCVC. This follows a previous $19 million Series A funding round completed in 2023. The funds will be utilized to design a 1-megawatt-hour demonstration battery, which is a crucial step toward large-scale production.
The company aims to reduce the cost of storing electricity using its thermal batteries to $25 per kilowatt-hour, which would be one-tenth the cost of current lithium-ion batteries. Ganesan expressed confidence in achieving this target, citing the simplicity of their supply chain and the limited number of moving parts involved in their technology.
Looking Ahead
As Fourth Power prepares to enter the market, the implications of its technology could be significant for the renewable energy sector. By providing a more affordable and efficient means of energy storage, the company could help facilitate a broader adoption of solar and wind power. The startup’s commitment to innovation and cost reduction positions it as a potential game-changer in the energy landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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