Game-changing energy innovation developed AT MTC
Published: 13 February, 2019
An energy storage system developed by OXTO Energy with experts from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is set to change the way energy is stored. It allows non-polluting renewable energy to be stored, and then rapidly released when required.
OXTO Energy has now set up a permanent base at the Coventry-based MTC to continue developing its flywheel-based system, and prepare it for volume manufacture. The company is targeting its new development at grid-scale operations including the National Grid, wind farms and solar farms, while also offering support for the electricity infrastructure in the UK and in export markets.
The MTC's Business Launch Centre worked with OXTO engineers to develop machining processes which will allow the energy-storing flywheels to reach production stage.
The steel flywheel energy storage system, with extremely rapid charging and discharging capabilities, would be able to balance electricity grids and enable further renewable generation. The process is low-cost, sustainable, uses environmentally-friendly materials all the way from initial manufacture to end-of-life, with minimum environmental effect. It is substantially more efficient and more versatile than batteries.
OXTO is now marketing its innovation in the UK, Europe and Australia, having received investment funding from the Coventry and Warwickshire Innovation Test Bed programme, enabling it to expand and innovate further.
OXTO's chief executive, Dr George Prassinos said the MTC's help was invaluable and basing themselves at the MTC gave them ready access to the best manufacturing expertise available. He commented: "The facilities and know-how that the MTC offers are of the highest standards, and it was what OXTO required to enter a new and emerging global market with strength and confidence. Working with the MTC and sub-contractors in the region, OXTO has managed to develop future-proof manufacturing capabilities ready to scale-up and deliver this incredible technology to our customers."
Dean Baker, director of the MTC's Business Launch Centre, added: "OXTO has brought one of the oldest technologies of storing energy into the 21st century, and together we have created something very special. We are pleased that we have been able to help OXTO develop and commercialise their idea."
Image caption: The OXTO process working in tandem
