Lab-made perovskite solar panel loses 25% of efficiency over 9-month period
Researchers have studied a perovskite solar panel array with little generation loss due to high temperatures, and better performance than expected.
Grid-forming inverter to stabilize microgrids
Toshiba has developed a smart synchronous inverter that stabilizes power fluctuations in microgrids. The Japanese company said it has tested the device in combination with PV and battery storage.
Sharp begins developing zinc-air flow batteries for renewables storage
Sharp is developing a zinc-air battery tech for renewables storage. The device will be reportedly safer than their lithium-ion counterparts, with high energy densities.
Japan and South Korea set solar records
The month of May saw Japan and South Korea set a new benchmark for solar electricity generation, according to a London-based think tank, but PV is still dwarfed by fossil fuel-powered electricity in the two countries.
Record solar investment keeping Chinese economy afloat
Investments in renewables are hitting new highs in China, as recurrent Covid-19 outbreaks and a crisis-stricken housing market threaten the world’s second-biggest economy, according to BloombergNEF.
Resilient anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Scientists in Japan have developed black glasses grafted silicon microparticles as a negative electrode material to improve lithium-ion battery performance.
Micro-engineered, high-performing anode for sodium-ion batteries
Scientists in Japan have demonstrated sodium-ion batteries using hard carbon microlattices, produced with an inexpensive 3D printer. In addition to reducing the battery size and slashing manufacturing costs, the resulting anode allows fast transportation of energy-generating ions.
Magnesium superionic conductor for lithium-free solid-state batteries
Scientists in Japan have developed a novel metal-organic, framework-based magnesium ion conductor with superionic conductivity, even at room temperature.
Chalcopyrite solar cell for tandem applications, photocatalytic water splitting
Japanese scientists have built a chalcopyrite PV device for tandem solar cells and water splitting for hydrogen generation. The device has a power conversion efficiency of 11.05%, an open-circuit voltage of 0.960 V, a short-circuit current density of 15.9 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 72.4%.
Toshiba energizes PV-powered hydrogen refueling station in Japan
The system is reportedly able to refill about eight hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, each in three minutes. It is also able to supply electric power by using hydrogen produced with renewable energy within the station.
