HOW IT WORKS
Converting low-temperature heat into electricity.
The Challenge
Vast quantities of low-temperature heat are available worldwide through geothermal resources, industrial processes and distributed energy systems. Traditionally, much of this heat cannot be converted economically into electricity, leaving a significant energy resource largely untapped. Critical Point Energy is focused on unlocking the value of these previously underutilized resources.
The CPE Approach
Critical Point Energy has developed a modified Stirling-engine architecture specifically designed to operate efficiently using low-temperature heat sources. By focusing on thermal resources that have historically been uneconomic to exploit, the technology seeks to expand access to clean, reliable, and distributed electricity generation.
The Process
01
Capture Heat
Thermal energy is collected from geothermal reservoirs, industrial processes or other low-temperature heat sources.
02
Transfer Energy
The captured heat is delivered to the engine system where controlled thermal expansion and contraction generate mechanical motion.
03
Produce Motion
The engine converts thermal energy into rotational mechanical energy.
04
Generate Electricity
A generator converts this rotational motion into usable electricity.
Why it Matters
The ability to generate electricity from lower-temperature (sub-boiling) resources expands the range of commercially and environmentally viable energy opportunities. This enables access to geothermal reservoirs, industrial waste-heat streams and distributed thermal resources that have traditionally been difficult to exploit affordably and/or economically. By improving the value of these resources, Critical Point Energy aims to help increase energy efficiency while supporting cleaner power generation.
Applications
Generate electricity from previously uneconomic geothermal resources.
Recover electricity from waste heat streams normally lost to the environment.
Distributed Energy
Deploy power generation close to the point of energy demand.
Learn More
Explore the thermodynamic principles and engineering foundations underlying the technology.
Review numerical modelling, performance analysis, and system optimization studies.
Examine prototype development, testing activities, validation efforts, and commercialization progress.