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Sand battery promises to revolutionize the renewable energy market, storing energy for months and replacing lithium with technology up to 30x cheaper

Written by Valdemar Medeiros
Published 21/07/2024 às 12:12
Updated 20/07/2024 às 23:53
Sand battery promises to revolutionize the renewable energy market, storing energy for months and replacing lithium with technology up to 30x cheaper
Photo: New sand/Dall-e battery

Get ready for the sand drum revolution! Innovative technology stores heat for long periods, converting electrical energy into heat, which is stored in sand inside a silo. Check out all the details on the new sand battery that is changing the energy storage industry.

Get ready for a revolution in energy storage with the new sand battery! It is innovative technology, still in development, uses sand to keep heat for long periods. The idea is simple: electrical energy is converted into heat, which is stored in the sand inside a silo. Sand, in addition to being abundant and cheap, retains heat efficiently for months, allowing it to be used for residential heating and much more. With great advantages like durability, high storage capacity, and support for renewable energy, the sand battery can be a game changer.

The Finnish company Polar Night Energy is already testing this promising technology. Imagine a future where excess solar and wind energy is stored for later use, even branching out into rural areas with limited infrastructure. This also contributes to the emission reduction and improves the stability of electrical networks. This is a big step towards a cost-effective, efficient and sustainable.

Sand battery could change the renewable energy market FOREVER

The new sand battery is an innovative technology being developed to store thermal energy. She uses sand because of its ability to retain heat for long periods. Let's explore more about this technology and its implications.

new sand battery it works converting electrical energy into heat. This heat is then transferred to the sand inside a silo. The sand heats up and can maintain these high temperatures for months. The stored heat can later be extracted for use, such as residential heating.

StageOverview
Energy ConversionElectrical energy is converted into heat.
Heat transferThe heat is transferred to the sand inside a silo.
StorageThe sand heats up and maintains high temperatures for months.
Heat ExtractionThe stored heat is extracted for use, such as residential heating.

Advantages of sand battery

The new sand battery offers several advantages that make it a promising solution for thermal energy storage.

Sand is an abundant and cheap material. This makes the sand battery an economical and sustainable long-term solution.

Storage capacity

The battery can store large amounts of thermal energy. This is crucial to ensure that energy can be used when needed, even during periods of low renewable energy production.

Sustainability and heat retention efficiency

The battery helps utilize renewable energy such as solar and wind energy. These energy sources can be unstable and irregular, but the storage capacity of the sand battery allows excess energy to be stored for later use.

Sand has a high thermal capacity, which means it can retain heat for long periods of time without significant losses. This increases the efficiency of sand battery and ensures that stored energy can be used effectively.

Where can the sand battery be used?

The technology can be used in a variety of applications, making it a versatile solution for storing thermal energy.

Residential heating

The sand battery can provide heat to homes and buildings during cold periods. This is especially useful in regions with harsh winters where demand for heating is high.

Development in rural areas

The prototype can be used in environments where energy infrastructure is limited. This can help provide thermal energy to rural and remote areas, improving the quality of life in these regions.

Storage of surplus renewable energy

technology that uses sand can store excess energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines for later use. This ensures that renewable energy is not wasted and can be used when needed.

A promising example of the sand battery is the company Polar Night Energy, in Finland. They store around 100 tons of sand in a silo to test this technology. This example demonstrates the feasibility of battery as a thermal energy storage solution.

Sand battery promises to revolutionize the renewable energy market, storing energy for months and replacing lithium with technology up to 30x cheaper
Sand battery prototype in Finland

The idea has the potential to transform the way we manage and use renewable energy. Let's explore some of the future impacts of this technology.

new sand battery technology can be integrated into electrical networks to improve the stability and efficiency of energy supply. This is especially important in regions where renewable energy production is high but demand is variable.

By using clean and renewable energy sources, battery can significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. This is crucial to combat climate change and promote a sustainable future.

Technology facilitates access to the continuous use of renewable sources in different climates and regions. This ensures that renewable energy can be used effectively regardless of weather conditions.

To better understand the new battery technology, it is important to consider some technical aspects.

Thermal capacity of sand

The thermal capacity of sand is one of the main reasons for choosing it as a storage medium. Thermal capacity is the amount of heat that a material can store per unit of mass. Sand has a high thermal capacity, which means it can store large amounts of heat without experiencing significant changes in temperature.

Energy conversion efficiency is another crucial factor. This refers to how efficiently electrical energy is converted into heat and then how that heat is extracted for use. A sand battery must be designed to minimize energy losses during these processes.

Durability and maintenance are also important considerations. Sand is a durable material that does not degrade easily, but the energy conversion system and storage silo need to be designed to withstand long periods of use with minimal maintenance.

Comparison with other energy storage technologies

To better understand the energy storage market position, it is useful to compare it with other existing technologies.

TechnologyStorage capacityCostSustainabilityDurability
Sand BatteryHighLowHighHigh
Lithium-Ion BatteriesMediaAltoMediaMedia
Hydroelectric StorageHighVariableHighHigh
Thermal Storage with Molten SaltHighMidfielderHighHigh

sand battery is a promising technology that has the potential to transform thermal energy storage. With its ability to retain heat for long periods, durability and sustainability, it offers an economical and efficient solution to energy storage challenges.

Integrating this technology with energy networks can improve the stability and efficiency of energy supply, significantly contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and promoting a more sustainable future.

The idea represents a significant advancement in thermal energy storage and has the potential to transform the way we manage and use renewable energy, offering a cost-effective, efficient and sustainable solution to the energy storage challenge.

When considering the implementation of new batteries, you should pay attention to financial security of this system. The safe nature of sand, which is neither flammable nor toxic, significantly reduces the risks associated with its use compared to other energy storage technologies. This is particularly beneficial in residential or urban environments where security is a priority.

Another relevant aspect is the Operating Temperature. The technology can operate at very high temperatures, which increases its efficiency. However, these high heat levels require good thermal insulation to prevent losses and protect the surrounding infrastructure. Therefore, you must carefully consider construction materials and techniques to maximize the benefits.

Finally, the integration with future technologies is an advantage. The versatility of sand battery allows it to be integrated with other energy storage solutions such as lithium-ion batteries or even hydroelectric storage systems. This adaptability gives you the flexibility you need to face future energy challenges and adapt to changes in the energy market.

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Arthur
Arthur
22/07/2024 10:51

These “futuristic” images on the covers of articles created with AI are very exaggerated, in my opinion. Sometimes the article itself has nothing to do with the image, which confuses us readers. However, this does not mean that the content is bad, just that it may not be coherent. I vote for less impressionistic images that are more in line with reality.

Luis Carlos Becker
Luis Carlos Becker
27/07/2024 14:03

Excellent article.
But it's hell to read because of so much advertising.
Many times I just give up.
You need to have a lot of patience

Valdemar Medeiros

Journalist in training, specialist in creating content with a focus on SEO actions. Writes about the Automotive Industry, Renewable Energy and Science and Technology

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