Dense energy carrier assessment of four combustible metal powders

Metal powders show great potential as dense energy carriers. This conceptual cycle for application presents a number of challenges which we address in this paper. In this study we narrowed down on four readily available promising candidates: aluminium, silicon, iron and zinc. Based on static power generation we estimated amounts required, transportation, cycle efficiency and physical explosion hazards. The scale required for transportation is much larger than in the current metal powder industry. The shipping requirements are comparable to coal. The handling hazards are only serious for aluminium. Iron and silicon emerge as the materials of choice.