ECS: Testing
Tests have demonstrated that the system performs well
ECS. Has the technology been tested?
Numerous test units have been built over the years, in order to refine the ECS technology. The test unit shown is the latest and incorporates flow meters, pressure gauges, density measuring etc. to provide TRL 5 stage 'proof of concept’ in support of TUV-NEL’s calculations and robust operational data for the detailed design of larger power producing ECS units.
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NB This TRL5 unit is too small to make the fitting of a water turbine generator practical but its primary purpose was to demonstrate the use of the 'Back Up' tanks to prevent the system from re-balancing and stopping.
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It is not really necessary to fit a water turbine generator as power output from an ECS unit can be accurately calculated using pressure and flow measurements, as is the case with this test work.
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Recently, further test work has been carried out with ECS used as a hydraulic air compressor (HAC), to verify that the 'Back Up' system works equally well.
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Tests have demonstrated that the system performs well and re-balancing is prevented.
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ECS-HAC units enable great flexibility, being able to operate as efficient isothermal air compressors, or with air driven turbine generators producing electricity, or a combination of both.
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The simpler ECS-HAC units, configured for power generation, will probably be used for the lower range outputs, finding a substantial market in small to medium industrial and commercial applications.
