Solar Energy Can Stay Now Stay in Storage For 18 Years
The Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg had created a solar energy battery that can store the energy for 18 years. The system specifics have yet to be published, but it succeeded in retaining and producing solar energy produced using the thermoelectric generator.
According to the scientists, it is a "radically new way of generating electricity from solar energy." This means that owners can produce electricity even if the weather is sunny, rainy, and snowy. In addition, this implication takes solar energy storage to the next level because it can now be ported and taken to any location without sacrificing its performance and the energy it produces.
Thermal storage has been a primary focus for many solar technologists for decades because of its long-term energy storage. Traditional battery storage requires solar energy conversion and reversals for storage and use. With thermal storage, a heated tank retains the energy of molten materials, such as water or molten salt.
We have yet to know the specifics behind the Chalmers University solar storage technology. However, it's most likely that it will reach new highs in development within the next decade or more.
Read more about solar storage technologies today from Aurora Solar.
How is Solar Energy Stored?
Solar energy storage can be broken into three general categories: Thermal, battery, and mechanical. Let’s take a quick look at each.
What is thermal storage?
Thermal energy storage uses various mediums — such as water or molten salt — to absorb and retain heat from the sun. This heated medium is stored in an insulated tank until the energy is needed, usually to boil water for energy generation.
What is battery storage?
Solar energy can also be stored in electrochemical batteries. When solar energy is pumped into a battery, a chemical reaction among the battery components stores the energy. The reaction is reversed when the battery is discharged, allowing current to exit the battery. Lithium-ion batteries are most commonly used in solar applications, and new battery technology is expanding rapidly, which promises to yield cheaper, more scalable battery storage solutions. In fact, U.S. energy storage is expected to reach nearly 7.5 GW annually by 2025, a sixfold growth from 2020, representing a market worth $7.3 billion.
What is mechanical storage?
Mechanical energy storage takes advantage of the potential energy of an object to generate electricity. Mechanical storage methods convert surplus electrical power into mechanical power, which is converted back into electricity for later use. There are three prominent mechanical energy storage systems:
Flywheel. This method uses surplus electricity to spin a flywheel, which later generates electricity to supply quick energy during peak demand times.
Pumped hydro. With pumped hydro, water is pumped uphill to a reservoir located above turbine generators. The water is allowed to flow through turbines and generate electricity when demand is high.
Compressed air. With this energy storage system, compressed air is pumped into large vessels such as a tank or underground formation. The air is released to generate electricity during peak demand.
The Best Way to Store Solar Energy
There’s no silver bullet solution for solar energy storage. Solar energy storage solutions depend on your requirements and available resources. Let’s look at some common solar energy storage options for commercial and home applications.
Commercial Solar Energy Storage
Utility companies and other businesses generally have bigger budgets than individual households, making mechanical and thermal storage viable options. Though costs for these storage methods can be high, they help utilities keep up with peak energy demand. (Continue reading here to learn more)
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