New eras have brought forth new developments and inventions, from telecommunication improvements to humanity learning to harness energy to utilize it. Despite cutting-edge solutions that are ten steps ahead of two rocks that create fire through friction, the world still struggles with its energy consumption, cost, and—most of all—waste. A 2022 study highlights the urgency and severity of this problem—that year, the global energy bill broke records by breaching the $10 trillion mark. Of that, around half was sent up in smoke, mostly in the form of thermal energy.
A Texas-based company, TESS Energy Solutions, addresses the dire needs of humanity, offering state-of-the-art designs that help businesses and individuals transform thermal energy into electricity. Central to TESS is the patented and synthetic phase change material (SPCM), patented and synthesized by Dr. Stephane Bilodeau. This customizable SPCM is the world’s first thermal storage with low-temperature conversion to electricity that can be easily integrated into new and existing systems across virtually all industries.
Through TESS, the company promises to significantly reduce energy consumption. The technology’s foundation lies in transforming cooling towers of buildings or storage into ‘free fuel.’ Founder Michael Logan explains the dynamics of TESS: “Currently, the world is pumping energy up into the atmosphere. TESS harnesses waste on its journey to cooling towers, converting it into electricity, feeding it to facilities, and recycling the thermal energy as electricity.”
What inspired Dr. Bilodeau’s development was his experience working at a prominent automotive manufacturer. There, this visionary realized that as much as 75% of every gallon of gasoline is rejected in the form of thermal energy. A 21st-century invention with the potential to revolutionize the sector, TESS’ inspiration stems from the cycle of nature—the process of turning ice to water and then vapor, and vice versa.
Dr. Bilodeau discovered a method that allows TESS to facilitate the freeze/melt/vapor points anywhere from -40 to 450°F. Leveraging the SPCM technology, he developed a product that mimics the environment, ultimately promoting a more resilient and sustainable energy footprint. Initial tests showcased tremendous promise, with an 8x8x20 foot container storing 3.5 million BTUs per charge. Moreover, TESS allows for simultaneous charge and discharge, presenting a convenient and time-effective solution.
Inside the first component of TESS are blocks of ice that become semi-liquid as the thermal energy (hot or cold liquid, steam, or air) is delivered via plumbing or ductwork to TESS. The second component revolves around waste heat rejected fuel that liquid-to-vapor flashpoint drives micro-turbines. This can be done with temperatures as low as 116°F. The next component is the AI controller—a high-end machine learning tool that balances operations and collects data about the facility, from its size to operating hours and energy generation.
Over the years, the technology has been tested and refined by industry experts and the TESS team. Through comprehensive research and analyses, the company was able to numerically identify its impact, showcasing an overall 20% to 35% power consumption reduction. On the side of power generation, TESS was able to boost the performance of power generation by 25% to 40%. The magnitude of influence depends on the site’s configuration. TESS always allows for the stored energy to be utilized to load level, peak shave, and, in some cases, provide short-term power intermittently within the grid.
In case of a power outage caused by hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters, TESS can function as a 6-megawatt-hour backup battery. The battery loses around 1% daily by attrition, turning TESS into a long-lasting and reliable emergency power course. Utility capital concerns have committed $100 million to this development, contributing financially to the TESS vision.
Its innovative cooling feature steps down exit temperature before it enters the biosphere, equipping data centers and commercial buildings with a technology that reduces HVAC loads by up to 45% and lowers electricity or natural gas expenses by 20% to 35%. Truly industry- and size-agnostic, TESS offers optimal solutions for any building with a minimum energy consumption of 600,000 kWh/month, providing customizable solutions for more challenging, outside-of-the-norm facilities.
Looking into the future, TESS plans to introduce mass production of generators, commencing a capital raise in October 2024. Logan estimates a six-month period from the fundraising until plans are in motion, promising an innovative facility opening in Houston by mid-2025.
“We all know how challenging the energy sector is for the environment. The issue is that we are comfortable with business as usual and have no idea there is another way. It’s going to take a shift in our thought process to affect the change necessary to preserve and improve our environment for generations. TESS not only makes this possible but profitable. TESS equips facilities with state-of-the-art technology that not only helps the environment but saves money and reduces waste,” adds Logan. “At TESS, we don’t cut any corners. Corporate economics and the environment can work in harmony. TESS is more than just another green energy invention; TESS stabilizes the grid, delivers uninterrupted energy, and leverages the beauty of nature dynamics by reducing operating costs and honoring environmental objectives.”
Published By: Aize Perez
