Aluminum-nickel molten salt battery for seasonal renewables storage
US scientists have developed a battery that can retain 92% of its initial capacity over periods of 12 weeks, with a theoretical energy density of 260 W/hour per kg. It was built with an aluminum anode and a nickel cathode, immersed in molten-salt electrolyte.
Power-to-gas-to-power designs to incorporate hydrogen in solar-wind microgrids
Researchers in Mexico have looked at integrating hydrogen-based power-to-gas-to-power into an existing rural microgrid. They said this solution could become competitive if electrolyzer, fuel cell and hydrogen tank costs are halved, or if diesel prices keep rising.
Australia’s largest hybrid solar+battery project hits ‘major milestone’
Australia’s largest hybrid solar and battery project, the New England Solar Farm and Battery Project in northern New South Wales, reached a new milestone over the weekend, following the delivery of the first of two massive 250 MVA transformers.
Vanadium redox flow battery prototype from Spain
Researchers in Spain have assembled a 10kW/20kWh vanadium redox flow demonstrator that paves the way for a 50kW battery.
Growatt unveils new inverter for residential applications
The new device has an efficiency of up to 98.6% and a European efficiency of up to 98.1%. It features up to two maximum power point tracking (MPPT) inputs, with MPPT voltage ranging from 140-1,000V.
Enphase launches pilot discounts for PV customers for leasing batteries, sharing energy
Homeowners who participate in a new Enphase pilot project will connect their home batteries to the US grid, sharing energy through Green Mountain Power’s distribution system in exchange for financial incentives.
Designs for solar+storage+hydrogen systems in buildings
German scientists have tried to determine whether a PV system linked to a small electrolyzer, a fuel cell, and lithium-ion batteries could fully power a grid-connected household. Their new proposal consists of a 6.8kW PV array, a 5kW electrolyzer, a 1.24kW fuel cell system, and battery storage.
SunPower launches whole-home backup solution
The US manufacturer has expanded the battery capacity options for its SunVault Storage product, up to 26 kWh and 52 kWh configurations.
Endesa plans Europe’s largest hybrid wind-solar-storage plant
The hybrid facility is planned to be built in central Portugal. It will consist of a 365MW PV unit, a 264MW wind farm, and 168MW of battery storage. It will also be connected to a 500kW electrolyzer that will be fed with surplus power that cannot be stored by the batteries.
Australian researchers promise lifespan boost for lithium-ion batteries
Researchers from The University of Queensland have developed a new nanotechnology that purportedly more than doubles the lifespan of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for higher density and lower-cost energy storage solutions.
