High-energy, membrane-free organic redox flow battery
US researchers have developed a new high-voltage, membrane-free, nonaqueous lithium-based organic redox flow battery. They say that the elimination of the membrane decreases the upfront costs of the battery by as much as 30%.
The importance of solar mini-grids in universalizing energy access
In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) explains how to expand the deployment of mini-grids for electricity access, especially in less developed countries.
Samsung unveils monobloc heat pump for residential applications
Samsung claims its new product is able provide domestic hot water of up to 75 C when the outdoor temperature is between -10 C and 35 C. It relies on an enlarged heat exchanger that the company claims is capable of transferring more heat compared to a conventional outdoor unit.
New control strategy for PV-powered water pumps operating under variable atmospheric conditions
Scientists in Turkey have developed a new algorithm to optimize the efficiency of PV-powered water pumps. The novel technique is based on the Extended Kalman–Bucy filter, which is a predictor-corrector algorithm used extensively in control systems engineering for estimating unmeasured states of a process.
Shell looking to sell Sonnen
Shell, which acquired Sonnen four years ago, is now actively seeking a majority shareholder for the Germany storage system specialist.
The Hydrogen Stream: combination of power grid expansion and hydrogen network cheapest option in a net-zero system
Researchers found out that the cheapest way to reach a net-zero system in Europe includes a power grid expansion and a hydrogen network. Meanwhile, Lhyfe signs a PPA for its hydrogen facility in Bretagne, and Nortegas reaches 15% of hydrogen in replica of its distribution network in Spain.
Distributed PV, battery storage curtailment in low-voltage networks
University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers have looked at energy losses in South Australia and have identified average curtailment of 1.5% for distributed PV sites and 0.2% for distributed PV coupled with batteries, but some locations experience generation losses of up to 25%.
PV-powered heat pumps with thermal, electrical storage
Italian researchers have looked at the potential of thermal and electrical energy storage to improve self-consumption rates in buildings when coupled with PV-powered heat pumps. They have concluded that such an approach could yield self-consumption rates of more than 80%.
EnerVenue launches new metal-hydrogen battery variant
EnerVenue has developed a new metal-hydrogen battery. The US startup says the battery’s efficiency ranges from 80% to 90%, depending on the cycle rate, and claims that its energy density per square foot is equal to or even better than lithium-ion batteries.
India approves viability gap funding scheme for battery storage development
India aims to develop 4 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) by 2030-31 through its viability gap funding (VGF) scheme. The selection of BESS developers for VGF grants will undergo a transparent, competitive bidding process.
