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IMAGE: PNNL scientist Ruozhu Feng created a series of molecular engineering steps to cultivate fluorenone s energy-carrying capability, part of an effort at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to develop new energy-storage technology. view more
Credit: (Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
A compound used widely in candles offers promise for a much more modern energy challenge storing massive amounts of energy to be fed into the electric grid as the need arises.
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have shown that low-cost organic compounds hold promise for storing grid energy. Common fluorenone, a bright yellow powder, was at first a reluctant participant, but with enough chemical persuasion has proven to be a potent partner for energy storage in flow battery systems, large systems that store energy for the grid.
Published: 19 May 2021, 07:32
By:
Andy Colthorpe
The system, which enables passive ventilation of gases, is being installed at Arlington Microgrid and Clean Energy Center in Everett, Washington. Image: PNNL.
New technology which can help prevent flammable gas build-up in lithium-ion battery storage systems is being made available for “low-cost, non-exclusive licensing” by the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
PNNL scientists have developed IntelliVent, a deflagration prevention system that can automatically open doors on energy storage cabinet enclosures in the event of thermal runaway in battery cells causing liquid electrolytes to vaporise at high temperatures, releasing toxic and flammable gases.
Utility companies and corporate project developers now have help assessing how much money adding an energy storage system will save them thanks to new Sandia National Laboratories software.
Published: 23 Dec 2020, 10:23
By:
Andy Colthorpe
The DoE wants to support the creation of competitive energy storage manufacturing domestically. Pictured is a proposed 10GWh production plant for lithium-ion battery storage by KORE Power, which like much of the US industry is currently reliant on supply chains through Asia. Image: KORE Power.
The US government’s Department of Energy (DoE) has described its just-published Energy Storage Grand Challenge Roadmap as its first comprehensive strategy on energy storage, identifying cost and performance targets to be met in the coming years.
The publication of the document follows the launch of the Energy Storage Grand Challenge (ESGC) by the DoE at the beginning of this year and the publication of a draft version of the new roadmap in summer. Among other things, it sets out a target for the levelised cost of long-duration energy storage to be reduced by 90% over the next nine years.