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.
IntriEnergy secures solar patent in India
US-based IntriEnergy has secured a patent for its PV cell tech platform that can increase the energy output of solar panels by up to 60% without increasing the panel size.
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.
PV-powered refrigerated tank for milk storage
The autonomous system is designed for small companies that produce milk, juice, beverages, or food products, it and can reach four degrees Celsius in three hours with an external temperature of 30 degrees.
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.
Quantifying loss-mitigating effects of PV warranty insurance
German consultancy VDE Renewables and global reinsurer Munich Re have outlined an approach to quantify the impact of risk mitigation measures applied to PV projects, as well as the advantages that may be derived by relying on an insurance solution. Risk mitigation expert Ulrike Jahn has spoken with pv magazine on how the new approach was shaped and what kind of performance issues should be taken into account by PV asset owners.
Hydrogen production at Dutch solar park
Alliander and Groenleven have completed construction on the Netherlands’ first green hydrogen production facility. It is connected to a 50MW solar park and is expected to generate hydrogen from June.
Italy offers €1.5 billion of rebates for PV in agricultural buildings
The Italian government hopes to deploy 375MW of PV capacity via a new rebate scheme. The funds will be provided through the post-Covid recovery plan.
Cathode formation issue could drive improvements in battery resiliency
Researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a degenerative effect in the creation of cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries that could have significant impacts on the performance of sodium-ion batteries.
Toyota develops new module to store, transport hydrogen
Japanese automaker Toyota has used its hydrogen tank tech in a new module to expand hydrogen storage to railways, shipping facilities, cargo ports, and fuel cell generators. Its 70MPa tank has a storage capacity of 2.7 kg to 18.7 kg and a tank mass ranging from 43.0 kg to 243.8 kg, depending on the size.
