EU ECO Technologies
Prometheus
EU ECO Technologies is a UK SME that have developed a scalable renewable energy system called Prometheus, which generates energy by using temperature differentials, with a carbon footprint of only 5.97 g CO2 eq/kWh.
Beside its renewable energy systems, EU ECO Technologies has been involved in systems engineering, architecture and eco/green materials development and application.
Prometheus is designed and manufactured using unique technology for converting a heat source directly into electricity. The module is Bi-Te based thermoelectric module that can work at temperatures up to 330 ˚C (626 ˚F) continuously and up to 400 ˚C (752 ˚F) intermittently.
Prometheus will generate DC electricity as long as there is a temperature difference across the module. More power is generated when the temperature differential becomes larger.
Applications
There are many applications for Prometheus, waste energy is everywhere in our society. The technology has already been highlighted and financially supported by the space industry as a technology it wants to work and develop with.
This section will explore some of these areas.
Glass Manufacture
The float glass industry is a highly intensive energy user, with over 5MW of waste thermal energy available for recovery.
Glass manufacture is an energy-intensive process - 80% natural gas which is used to fire the high-temperature furnaces - and because it represents a significant cost to the industry, it has worked for decades to improve energy efficiency.
Arrow Energy is presently in discussions with industrial clients to harness this waste stream and develop a solution that will significantly improve the company’s overall efficiencies and energy usage.
Chemical Manufacture
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) report:
“The chemical and pharmaceutical industry adds £18 billion of value to the UK economy every year from total annual turnover of £50 billion. This represents around 11% of the value added by the whole of UK manufacturing”
they also report:
“The higher oil price and the weak exchange rate have also elevated concerns over rising raw material costs and energy costs - both critical to an
energy-intensive manufacturing sector”
In terms of strategic approach this area has also been highlighted for Prometheus.
Discussions are presently ongoing with clients in the UK to establish a solution which will support their energy reduction programme.
Solar Industry
The solar PV industry is established across the world, solar PV panels develop a great deal of heat from the back of the panels.
The Prometheus, thermal electric generator (TEG), team are presently working with a client on a 3MW system to harness this waste heat and utilise it in the TEG unit.
This will improve the overall efficiency of the solar system and could develop a huge market for the product.
Historic Houses
Arrow Energy are also presently working in this sector.
We are they are already established with the National Trust as a trusted company to work with. This has now enabled a foundation for discussions to introduce Prometheus.
This sector is broad ranging as it covers large buildings in general but also includes the National Trust collection.
The National Trust was founded on 12 January 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley. Over the last 120 years they have become one of the UK’s largest charities, caring for historic properties and areas of beautiful countryside.
As an indication of their size and energy use, they own and run 61 pubs and inns, own 59 villages, manage more than 618,000 acres 18 of land and about 2,000 tenants. Over 43 per cent of rainwater in England and Wales drains through National Trust places and spaces.
Their renewable energy ambitions consist of a £30 million investment in renewable energy and marks a milestone in reaching their targets to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut energy usage by 20 per cent and source 50 per cent of their energy from renewable sources on land we look after by 2020.
Hospitality / Leisure
Hospitality businesses are expanding rapidly with a number of leading brands experiencing significant growth. Annual energy costs for this sector are in excess of £1.3 billion, resulting in carbon emissions of more than 8 million tonnes per year.
Prometheus would most likely be integrated within the existing plant room and harvest the differential temperatures from the existing boiler system.
The system will improve overall efficiencies, reduce energy and costs as one of the main overheads within the hospitality and leisure sector.
Discussions are now taking place with a leisure company to introduce the TEG to a hotel and leisure centre.
Domestic Housing
As the technology develops the domestic sector will establish its self as a strong partner, the unit will complement existing heating systems and generate electricity to power the home.
Further developments will establish the technology into the fabric of the building working on inherent temperature differentials and be a seamless efficient energy supply technology imbedded within the building.