Hello everyone!
Just when you thought the world of solar couldn’t get any more exciting, researchers have developed a promising all-liquid, iron-based redox flow battery for large-scale energy storage which could offer a significant boom for the industry. Burnishing their commitment to finding renewable and effective energy storage solutions, this discovery is an enticing update for the solar world, and especially for solar companies seeking to improve their energy storage capactiy.
Iron-based flow batteries aren’t a new phenomenon in the solar industry, but the advancements brought by these researchers could drastically reduce the issues associated with supply chain management. This breakthrough is especially good news when it comes to large-scale energy storage applications, a critical component when considering solar panels for your home.
Yet, what makes this discovery even more intriguing is the formula that the researchers used. They combined charged iron with a neutral-pH phosphate-based liquid electrolyte, using a commonly available chemical called nitrogenous triphosphonate (NTMPA), typically used to inhibit corrosion in water treatment plants.
The outcome? A battery with exceptional cycling stability that maintained 98.7% of its original capacity over a thousand consecutive charging cycles. For context, previous studies of similar batteries reported a higher degradation of the charge capacity over fewer charging cycles. This puts the new discovery in a different league altogether.
And yes, you’ve heard it right. This newly discovered formula can enhance the longevity and efficiency of a solar array for home. So, if you’re considering solar for home use and the optimisation of your energy storage, this could direct you to a more efficient path.
But, we don’t stop at good news; we aim for better. The research team also noted that their battery demonstrated high Coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency near 100% and 87% respectively – some really impressive figures for a solar power storage solution. Solar companies are constantly aiming to improve energy efficiency and this discovery is a giant stride in the right direction.
While the initial design of this iron-based battery might lag behind the more commercialized vanadium-based systems in terms of energy density., the next steps for the researchers are focused on improving the battery’s voltage output and the electrolyte concentration. These improvements would only serve to further heighten this battery’s potential energy density, providing an even more compelling advantage for solar companies worldwide.
The future of solar energy looks bright indeed. This breakthrough is an inspiring testament to ingenuity, unveiling yet another avenue towards a sustainable future. I, for one, look forward to watching out for what comes next in the ever-evolving world of solar and how researchers continue to pave the way for improved practicality and efficiency within the solar industry.
Here’s to the future of solar power, and the continuing rise of the solar era!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/26/iron-based-redox-flow-battery-for-grid-scale-storage/
