Improving solar inverter design with silicones
Inverters must withstand the high levels of heat generated when operating, otherwise system performance and reliability could be at risk. Cody Schoener of Dow Performance Silicones argues using silicone-based materials for inverters can improve thermal management and fire protection, while offering thermal stability, environmental resistance, electrical isolation and support for operational efficiency.
High-rise buildings could soon use gravity energy storage, say researchers
Researchers in Canada have proposed using gravity-based energy storage in high-rise buildings, in combination with photovoltaic facades, small wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries. Their modeling indicated that this hybrid system could achieve a levelized cost of energy ranging from $0.051/kWh to $0.111/kWh.
Prototype magnesium battery operates at room temperature in breakthrough
New research reopens the question around magnesium-based battery viability at room temperatures.
Solis unveils 75–125 kW hybrid inverter for C&I solar
The Chinese manufacturer said its new inverters can deliver 160% overload for 200 ms in off-grid mode, ensuring stable startup of heavy loads. The IP66-rated products feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency of 97.2%.
Negative pricing reshapes solar finance as investors turn to storage for flexibility in Europe
Growing price volatility and the rise of negative pricing across power markets are pushing lenders and developers to rethink risk and revenue structures, focusing on asset flexibility and sustainable business models for storage, including co-location.
WHES releases all-in-one home storage system
The single-phase system delivers an output ranging from 3,680 W to 10,000 W and offers a storage capacity between 4.992 kWh and 19.968 kWh. The new product is based on LFP batteries.
Solar PV needs more nuanced assumptions in energy system modelling
Solar PV currently evolves as the most important source of energy. Many energy system models still do not consider technologies that are already standard in today’s solar PV market. This article provides a call to energy system modelers to better reflect real-world developments in scenarios aimed at giving an outlook to the energy transition by providing key research works of LUT University researchers as food for thought.
Romania’s Hidroelectrica to install battery storage at its hydro power plants
The state-owned utility aims to enhance grid flexibility by installing energy storage systems at all of its run-of-river hydropower plants.
New tech can tell if your EV will make it home
Researchers in California have created a new diagnostic metric that can reportedly predict if a battery can successfully power a specific task. The proposed model could be used in electric vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and grid storage applications.
Spain’s grid operator warns of sudden voltage variations in the network
Red Eléctrica de España (REE) says sudden voltage variations in Spain’s grid are tied to renewable generation shifts, but there is no risk of blackout.
