Pumping Metal

Almost every form of energy conversion creates heat, making it one of the most prevalent forms of energy. When used for mechanical work, thermal energy is most efficient when it can be moved, stored, and converted at its highest possible temperature. But most of today’s pumps and compressors are made from superalloys and ceramics and can’t handle that extreme heat. A team from Georgia Tech has developed a ceramic pump they and others expect to spur a new generation of highly efficient, low-cost systems for storing, transporting, and converting surplus thermal energy produced by renewables like solar and wind.