How Technology Can Improve Renewable Energy Storage
renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power are important for our planet, but they face a challenge – they don’t always produce energy when needed. To overcome this, efficient and affordable energy storage solutions are needed to ensure a constant power supply.
Columbia Engineering researchers have been working on creating new types of batteries to revolutionize energy storage for renewable sources. In a recent study published in Nature Communications, they have developed K-Na/S batteries that use potassium, sodium, and sulfur to create a cost-effective and high-energy storage solution.
The team led by Yuan Yang aims to extend the longevity of these batteries and make them easier and cheaper to produce. This will help stabilize energy grids, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote a sustainable energy future.
One of the main challenges with K-Na/S batteries is their low capacity and the need for high operating temperatures. The team has developed a new electrolyte using acetamide and ε-caprolactam that improves energy storage and release. This allows the battery to operate at lower temperatures while maintaining maximum energy storage capacity.
Yang’s group is part of the Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center, which focuses on innovative technology in electrochemical energy storage. They aim to scale up the technology from small batteries to large-scale energy storage, providing a reliable power source from renewable energy, even during periods of low sunlight or wind. Currently, the team is working on refining the electrolyte composition for optimal performance.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.