

A complex path for building heat batteries
9 snips Dec 11, 2024
John O’Donnell, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Rondo Energy, shares his journey in developing groundbreaking heat batteries for industrial use. He discusses the complexities of collaborating with Calgren Renewable Fuels and the unforeseen manufacturing challenges faced during construction. The conversation highlights innovative solutions in heat battery technology, strategic decision-making in engineering, and the thrilling moment of activating their first commercial unit. O’Donnell emphasizes learning from both failures and successes in their ambitious quest to revolutionize energy storage.
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Garage Experiments
- John O’Donnell and Peter von Behrens experimented with bricks in a garage for heat conductivity.
- Their early experiments using PAM cooking spray created so much smoke that the fire department was called.
Old Meets New
- Rondo Energy's heat battery technology is based on a 19th-century coal-saving invention.
- They combine this old concept with modern electric heating elements.
Customer Risk Mitigation
- When scaling a new technology, ensure the interface is familiar to the customer and prioritize safety.
- Offer a commercial structure that minimizes technology risk for the customer.