The rapid expansion of the use of solar and wind power is driving a growing interest in energy storage systems because in order to fully exploit these sources we need to be able to store the energy they produce for use when we need it.
Batteries are the most obvious way to store electrical energy and a variety of battery technologies are candidates for the job. As is usually the case for the adoption of new technology, cost is the biggest stumbling block.
There is a great deal of emphasis upon lithium ion batteries. This is the same technology that powers our phones and computers. However, an up and coming candidate is the flow battery in which liquid electrolytes stored in tanks carry electrical charge that flows through a membrane, releasing energy.
Flow batteries can store large amounts of energy simply by using larger electrolyte tanks. They can be charged and recharged through many cycles and offer advantages in cost, simplicity and reliability. The most promising flow batteries to date have used electrolytes based on compounds of metals or toxic materials.
Scientists at USC have now developed a flow battery based on oxidized organic compounds known as quinones. Quinones are found in plants, fungi, bacteria and even some animals. The resultant electrolytes are safe and are likely to be quite cheap.
Mega-scale energy storage will be essential for solar and wind power to take over and an energy storage technology based on molecules nature already uses for energy transfer may fit the bill.
**********
.
Web Links
Scientists create new battery that’s cheap, clean, rechargeable … and organic
Photo, posted March 11, 2009, courtesy of Chrishna via Flickr.
.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.