Developing zinc-air batteries for
renewable energy
|
| (Nanowerk News) Renewable energies
such as solar and wind power need reliable storage
technologies if they are to supply energy when consumers
need it. A research project is working to develop a new
class of small, low-cost batteries based on zinc-air flow
technologies. |
| If renewable energies such as solar power
and wind are to offer alternatives to fossil fuels, they
need to prove they can deliver reliable power when consumers
need it. A key aspect of this is to improve energy-storage
technologies as current solutions have a number of
limitations in terms of weight, capacity and cost. |
| An EU-funded project,
'Zinc-air flow batteries for electrical power distribution
networks' (POWAIR), is developing a new class electrical
energy-storage system with high-energy density, modularity,
fast responses and low costs. |
| POWAIR, a four-year project ending in 2014,
looked first at potential applications and their
requirements before starting to design their system
components. Another key consideration was to consider cost
implications from the outset. |
| Drawn from leading research institutes and
technology companies, the project team has collaborated to
design new energy-storage technologies, together with an
accompanying modular power converter and system controller.
The rechargeable zinc-air battery developed uses an air
electrode for one half-cell reaction, which increases energy
density, and an alkali electrolyte in which the metal is
highly soluble. Their innovative catalyst system comes at a
low cost and is stable with performance exceeding that of
precious metal systems. |
| The POWAIR team is optimising the
engineering of the battery unit cells and scaling them up.
Another important focus is to engage with investors and
partners to ensure the innovative technology can be
commercialised very soon after the end of the project. |
| By developing technologies that are ready
for industrialisation, the POWAIR project has progressed
towards a radically different model for energy distribution
— one that is more sustainable and secure. |