PV redox flow battery with 4.2% solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency
Scientists in China have constructed and tested a device that uses redox couples paired with a single triple-junction amorphous-silicon photoelectrode. When tested under a xenon lamp simulating one sun, the device achieved an average solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 4.2%.
Carmaker uses repurposed EV batteries to help power production plant
Repurposed electric vehicle batteries have been used for the energy storage component of a solar and battery project that is now helping power operations at carmaker Nissan Australia’s aluminium casting plant in Victoria.
Off-grid floating PV-desalination system for hydrogen production
Scientists have simulated a solar-powered hydrogen production system comprising 32,050 photovoltaic panels, a pumping system, a seawater reverse-osmosis desalination unit, an electrolyzer, and a hydrogen storage tank. Operation of the system in Oman could potentially yield a levelized cost of electricity of $0.05/kWh and a levelized cost of hydrogen of $9.5/kg.
Building resilience amid intensifying weather events
In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, IEA PVPS shows that with climate-specific site selection, robust design, proper installation, and proactive O&M, most PV systems can be made resilient and remain reliable despite intensifying weather risks.
Using horizontally connected salt caverns for compressed air storage
Researchers in China have investigated the long-term stability of horizontally connected salt caverns used for compressed air energy storage. They found about 85% of the existing salt caverns in their home country are are suitable for this configuration.
Researchers find sodium-ion batteries using hard carbon anodes can intrinsically charge faster
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science showed that sodium-ion batteries with hard carbon anodes can charge faster than lithium-ion batteries by using a diluted electrode method that reveals sodium insertion is intrinsically quicker than lithium.
Solar, wind and storage: stable prices, stable grid
In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) explains how Australia’s rapid expansion of solar and wind energy has not increased wholesale electricity prices, which have remained stable since 2016. Rooftop solar, now widespread and highly cost-effective, provides the country with resilient, low-emission power, making all-electric homes increasingly independent from the grid.
Ambrion launches new all-in-one storage solutions
The Australian firm has introduced single-phase 5 kW and 6 kW AC output storage systems, as well as three-phase 10 kW and 12 kW models. Storage capacities of the new products range from 5 kWh to 40 kWh.
Clivet releases residential air-to-air heat pump
The Italian manufacturer said its new Fullness heat pump system has a coefficient of performance of 2.8 and a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 3.79.
Canon testing solar at Japanese data center
Canon IT Solutions has begun testing a solar PV system to power its Tier 4 data center in Nishitokyo, aiming to boost renewable energy use and reduce costs. The system is expected to generate around 69 MWh annually and enhance power resilience during emergencies.
