Though the energy storage solution looks interesting, what'll scupper this plan is the (unavoidable) inefficiency of the Rankine cycle.
...I've been thinking about this solution over the day. I stand by my original observation that using the Rankine cycle and a turbine to generate power from stored heat is poor utilisation. However, it would have two very useful benefits:
a) Making otherwise un-dispatchable power (wind turbines, solar) be able to perform MVar control (only performed by large rotating machines)
b) Making the same un-dispatchable power also perform grid frequency control. (Only performed by specialist hydro, coal, oil, gas, or perhaps nuclear {not currently in the UK} )
Both of the above are vital for a stable grid, and neither can be performed by solar or wind. It's why a nationwide grid can never be solely powered by either.
Nozzle
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