Michael Kanellos
Lithium-Ion Batteries for Power Storage on the Grid July 8, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Energy storage. Like clean coal, it’s one of the those Google-like opportunities in the greentech market. The company that cracks part of the problem could reap billions. However, it’s not easy science.
Both Altairnano and A123 Systems have kicked off efforts to determine if lithium ion batteries could do the job, according to Martin LaMonica at News.com. Indianapolis Power & Light just finished a test with two one megawatt, 250 kilowatt hour battery system from Altairnano. The battery packs met the goals set by the test, including one test in which the battery packs were repeatedly charged and discharged in 15 minutes. Think of it–a full megawatt charge and discharge in a quarter of an hour.
A123 Systems, meanwhile, is testing its batteries with General Electric.
So what’s the big deal about storage? Storage devices help grid stabilization, smoothing out the delivery of power. The more constant the delivery of power, the happier the utility is. Storage can also be used, ultimately, to supplement wind, wave and solar systems when the sun or the wind aren’t cooperating.
Both Altairnano and A123 Systems are trying to sell their batteries into the automotive market as well. Although both specialize in lithium ion batteries, the chemistries inside their batteries differ significantly from what you see in notebook batteries. Notebooks use lithium cobalt batteries. These can short circuit and blow up. Altairnano specializes in lithium titanate batteries while A123 has lithium phosphate batteries. Both are less prone to overheating although there are trade-offs. These alternative chemistry batteries typically cannot hold as much energy as lithium cobalt batteries. But you won’t be a charred pile of goods on the side of the freeway either. Other new age lithium ion companies include EnerDel and International Battery.
Other devices for power storage include vanadium flow batteries (Deeya Energy), flywheels (Pentadyne), molten salt (for storing heat that can then be used to turn a turbine), and ice. (IceEnergy).
May the best novel concept win.
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I would think it would be more wise to use the limited amount of lithium on the planet for mobile applications. A stationary battery doesn’t need to have high gravimetric density, though high volumetric density reduces the cost of the structure they’re housed in. I’d place my bets on vanadium flow for wind, PV and other non-thermal technologies and molten salt for CSP stations. I haven’t done much research on flywheels and ice, though….maybe they’re promising too.
“May the best novel concept win.”
I’m hoping several methods are successful, depending on the application. The best storage technology for a given application is highly dependent upon the scale, type of energy involved and usage patterns. Couple cost effective energy storage strategies with conservation, efficiency and smart grid management and the argument that renewables are too fickle for prime time flies right out the window.
Don’t forget Sodium-Sullfur batteries - originally developed by Ford, but perfected by the Japanese. They’ve been using these successfully for 12+ years for these exact applications, and are just hitting the U.S.
And don’t overlook pump-up hydro.
Elevation differential, water, and a pump/turbine. (Got a flooded mine in your area?)
Nothing new to invent here. Around 300 sites in operation today.
Exactly Bob. Pumped hydro is simple, cheap and it works. No need to re-invent the wheel.
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Pump-up hydro can’t be put into a fuel stop to give a fast fill up to electric cars. This thing is useful for lots of apps.
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