Energy Storage

The missions demonstrated the remarkable autonomous launch of a micro-AUV from Solus-LR while submerged and underway. Following the launch, the micro-AUV surfaced and transmitted a status message to Solus-LR's command and control center via Iridium satellite. The operation was the first of its kind and demonstrated near real-time, over-the-horizon communications from a submerged AUV.

FREYR Battery Announces the Execution of 38 GWh Li-Ion Battery Binding Cell Sales Agreement and Entry into Module & Pack Joint Venture for Energy Storage Solutions with Nidec Corporation.

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has installed seven maintenance-free Flex'ion lithium-ion battery systems supporting a microgrid with solar plants on the Italian island of Favignana (Sicily). These systems are expected to be fully operational by end 2022.

While the current Li-ion batteries generate energy by taking Li-ions in and out of the graphite anode based on the intercalation mechanism, the Li-metal battery does not rely on this bulky and heavy graphite but uses metallic Li itself as the anode. As the Li-metal shows 10 times higher theoretical capacity (3,860 mAh/g) than graphite (372 mAh/g), it has steadily gained much attention from areas that need high-capacity batteries, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Mechanical engineers have built a handy extra limb able to grasp objects and go, powered only by compressed air. It's one of several ideas they've implemented with a textile-based energy harvesting system.

Made from inexpensive, abundant materials, an aluminum-sulfur battery could provide low-cost backup storage for renewable energy sources.

Nedstack makes hydrogen proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems for stationary energy storage power plants and maritime applications.

The world's first hydrogen train, the Coradia iLint, is now used on the world premiere 100% hydrogen train route, in passenger operation. This regional train only emits steam and condensed water while operating with a low level of noise.

Octopus Energy Group launches its new renewables fund Octopus Energy Development Partnership. It comes as the fund makes its debut investment in renewables developer Exagen to build new green energy and rapidly grow the UK's energy storage capacity.

Flexitricity and Thrive Renewables have entered into an optimisation agreement for a 20MW battery energy storage system. The deal covers Thrive's Feeder Road site in its home city and kickstarts an exciting collaboration between the two organisations.

Polestar will provide battery and charging systems for Candela's highly efficient flying boats. The battery deal will enable Candela to scale up production swiftly, bringing mass-market electric boats one step closer to reality.

The current iteration of Li-ion batteries, which are based on graphite anodes, liquid electrolytes, and cathode materials such as NMC and LFP, are generally considered to be reaching their performance limits. However, from cell materials to battery designs, there are still several routes that can lead to further improvements in performance and cost.

A bit of brushing may be the secret to making better rechargeable lithium batteries. Researchers have introduced a technique to tune the surface of anodes for batteries by simply brushing powders into them. The powder adheres to the anode and becomes a thin, lithiated coating that effectively prevents the formation of damaging dendrites.

Forecasts taken from IDTechEx report "Thin Film & Flexible Photovoltaics 2023-2033"

Imagine being able to generate electricity by harnessing moisture in the air around you with just everyday items like sea salt and a piece of fabric, or even powering everyday electronics with a non-toxic battery that is as thin as paper. A team of researchers has developed a new moisture-driven electricity generation device made of a thin layer of fabric - about 0.3 millimetres in thickness - sea salt, carbon ink, and a special water-absorbing gel.

Whilst battery electric trucks are already capable of delivering many urban and regional duty cycles, the energy density of current Li-ion battery technologies means that long-haul applications (> 400km), which require significant daily mileage, are very difficult to deliver with a BEV truck, due to the weight, volume, and cost of required batteries. Fuel cell electric trucks which use hydrogen, stored at high pressure (commonly 350 bar) in tanks on the vehicle, as a source of fuel to generate electricity offer an alternative zero-emission solution which can deliver long-haul range.

With increasing scrutiny of the environmental impact of current building practices, the electrification of mobile construction machinery offers construction companies a relatively near-term opportunity to demonstrate their environmental credentials.

Schunk is a German-based company, manufacturing components for high-tech products from carbon, ceramics, and metal. IDTechEx spoke with Jens Voellner (Business Development Manager) with regards to bipolar plates for fuel cells.

While 2022 continues to add to the challenges electric vehicle (EV) makers face, markets are still growing. Indeed, electric car sales for the first half of 2022 reached ~3.5 million, according to IDTechEx research.

ESS Inc announced a strategic partnership with Energy Storage Industries Asia Pacific to distribute and manufacture iron flow batteries utilizing ESS technology in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania to meet rapidly growing demand for long-duration energy storage in the region.