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The researchers behind an energy system that allows you to capture solar energy, store it for up to 18 years, and release it when and where it's needed, have taken the system one step further.
A group of researchers from Chalmers Swedish University of Technology has been working on developing solutions to the solar energy storage problem for about 10 years. During this period, the researchers managed to develop a liquid that, when exposed to light, is capable of altering its molecular structure, causing it to remain in that state for years. In this way, it is feasible energy storage at any time, through reactions considered simple, something that makes the development very promising, serving to supply a range of devices.
Understand how the energy storage system created by Swedish researchers works
According to the researchers, the energy storage fluid Molecular Solar Thermal – or “MOST” – is based on a kind of combination of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen. So, when the liquid is illuminated by some source of energy, its molecular composition is soon altered, transforming itself into an isomer.
In this way, the liquid can store the solar energy without having to make any changes to its composition. The molecular structure can be stored for about 18 years, according to research. To recover the liquid, it is necessary to use a catalyst. The stored solar energy that is released, comes out in the form of heat, feeding a thermoelectric generator, generating electricity.
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The researchers developed a pilot plant, where it is possible to obtain around 1,3 W of energy through 1 m³ of liquid. For commercial use, unfortunately, this storage of solar energy is still not enough, but some future work may be developed according to the evolution of energy accumulation and transformation processes.
Find out how the new Swedish University battery works
According to Emre Gencer, the author of the study, the part of energy transition sustainable energy such as solar energy and wind energy requires batteries that have different lifespans, but which can work even when there is no sun or wind. And for that, the manganese zinc battery is an excellent option, in addition to being cheap and of very good quality for these sources, being able, in this way, to store energy for one or more days.
In the flow system, the two electrolytes with negative ions and positive ions are pumped in certain tanks until, when passing through a membrane, they can meet. A comparison was carried out to prove that the research, in fact, is feasible, where they used other cell phones with zinc manganese batteries. All analyzes were carried out in periods of approximately 8 hours, 1 day and 3 days in duration.
With intervals of more than one day, the battery surpassed its energy retention capacity when compared to ordinary lithium-ion or vanadium redox flow cells. In addition, the battery maintained its efficiency and low cost, even if all that was spent on pumping the manganese slurry from the tank where it stores energy is taken into account.
Researchers are advancing energy storage technologies
Researchers at the Swedish University continue to make advances in various energy storage technologies. Last year, a new type of battery was developed, promising to be innovative for the energy storage system from renewable sources, such as solar energy and wind energy.
A semi-solid flow cell uses a mixture, in which dispersed particles of manganese dioxide are aggregated, together with an additive called “smoke black”, which is capable of conducting electricity.
