With a growing demand for renewable energy, energy storage technology has become essential to managing and optimizing energy use. In this article, Alternō explores the most advanced technologies and emerging trends in energy storage. Let’s dive in!
1. The most energy storage technology
1.1. Gravitation: Harnessing Gravity for Energy Storage.
Gravity storage technology is storing excess energy and using it to lift and then release specially designed bricks using a crane. This kind of kinetic energy storage functions similarly to hydropower, but it is not constrained by hilly terrain. A prime example of this technology being applied is the Swiss company Energy Vault claimed to have secured $1 billion in orders for its specially constructed facilities in China.
1.2. Compressed air
Next is a long-standing energy storage technology called compressed air. This form of storage requires the temporary storage of air under pressure in depleted gas or oil tanks. The air is then periodically released into an on-site turbine during periods of high grid need.The business produces heated air that is compressed by utilizing excess or off-peak energy. After that, the heat is removed and the air is pumped into a section of the cavern that is filled with water, pushing it to the surface. Water is allowed to rush downward through the shaft when energy is required, driving the air upward and combining it with the heat that has been stored to power a turbine.
1.3. Concrete batteries
Recently, a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US has researched and invented the creation of roads that charge electric cars as they drive along and homes that their foundations power. With cement and carbon black (a highly conductive substance that resembles extremely fine charcoal), the researcher team members discovered that they could build an electrically storing supercapacitor. In addition, thanks to the easy-to-find and sturdy materials, researchers have taken advantage of them to turn them into batteries more easily.
1.4. Metal blocks – Energy storage technology
This metal block energy storage was initially pioneered by Australia’s MGA Thermal. After the domestic launch of the technology, many people were concerned that it could cause danger. However, Oil giant Shell is applying this meta blocks technology quite effectively that can store energy in metal alloy particles the size of shoe boxes. While a matrix material stays solid and holds the melting particles in place, excess energy is employed to heat the alloy particles until they melt. The heat in the metal blocks released can be utilized to run a downstream turbine once the metal block is cooled.
1.5. Superheated bricks
Microsoft and Saudi Aramco are among the world’s largest oil companies, they have applied industry excess energy from renewable sources in superheated bricks to reduce emissions. Another US company, Rondo Energy, is developing a method that superheats hundreds of tons of bricks using electric heating components. As heat is absorbed, superheated bricks store energy in the bricks and can release the heat when needed, providing energy for applications such as space or water heating.
1.6. The power of trees
Tree power is a breakthrough and novel energy storage technology in exploiting and storing energy from trees. Sweden’s Northvolt, a well-known brand in energy storage, is creating sustainable batteries with lignin-based hard carbon made from wood from Nordic forests. Northvolt is working with the world’s largest pulp and paper company, Stora Enso in Finland to develop the first industrial battery in history with anode sources made entirely of raw materials from Europe. This will reduce costs and the battery’s carbon footprint.
1.7. Iron-air batteries
The US inventor refers to the iron-air battery as “reversible rusting”, it operates on a completely different theory. The iron-air battery uses iron as the positive electrode and air as the negative electrode. When the battery is in operation, the iron reacts with oxygen in the air to produce electricity, and this process can be reversed to recharge the battery by supplying electricity to move the oxygen away from the iron.
1.8. Iron-flow batteries
Iron flow batteries are one of the next generation of battery technologies in development. This technology works based on a redox reaction that iron flow batteries that circulate electrolytes liquid to charge and release electrons. The difference of this battery line is that the same electrolyte can be used on the positive as well as negative sides, unlike in traditional batteries.
1.9. Nickel-zinc batteries
Nickel-zinc batteries are an advanced and efficient solution for energy storage. Nickel-zinc batteries use nickel as the positive electrode and zinc as the negative electrode, combined with an electrolyte solution to store and deliver electricity. In particular, nickel-zinc batteries are low-cost thanks to the availability and reasonable price of raw materials and are less harmful to the environment than other traditional batteries.
2. Instructions on how to choose the best energy storage technology
After learning about the storage technologies above, you may be wondering which one is right for you. Here are some tips for you:
- Understand energy needs:
To determine the right storage technology, the first thing you need to do is understand your energy needs. You can ask yourself some questions such as: How much energy do I need to store? For what length of time will I require the energy I have stored? What will be the environment in which the storage technology will be installed?In addition, you should evaluate the length of the charging and discharging cycle and scale, cost concerns, safety needed, flexibility, temperature requirements, and project location restrictions.
- Consider price and space:
When choosing the right energy storage technology for your specific project conditions, cost and space considerations are two important factors that cannot be overlooked. Investment and operating costs often determine the feasibility of a technology, including equipment and maintenance costs.
Low-cost but high-performance technologies will be the superior choice for large, long-term projects. Technologies such as compact batteries or energy storage systems that can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure will help optimize space usage.
- Assess the need for grid interconnection:
If the energy storage technology requires a grid connection, this can create dependency on the existing grid system and can affect the overall cost and performance. Leveraging the grid can help optimize energy supply and consumption while supporting grid stability. Conversely, if energy storage technologies are capable of operating independently without a grid connection, it provides flexibility for applications such as energy systems in remote areas. This decision will depend on the intended use and available infrastructure.
In summary, energy storage technology plays a key role in optimizing the use and management of energy resources, especially in the context of increasing dependence on renewable energy sources. Each technology has its advantages and limitations, suitable for different requirements and conditions. Looking for innovative energy storage solutions for your project? Contact Alternō for expert guidance!
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