Researchers Develop New Molecule That Can Store Solar Power for up to 18 Years

Solar panels are becoming increasingly common on homes, but there are still issues with storing their power.

Swedish researchers have developed a new breed of molecule which could make storing solar energy all the more efficient.

Autor*in Mark Newton, 10.10.18

Translation Mark Newton:

Researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg have developed a new compound which they hope can help solve the many issues with storing renewable energy. 

The molecule, which is a compound of nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen, is designed to be used as part of the team’s Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage (MOST) system. When placed in sunlight in its liquid form, the bonds between its atoms change, turning it into an energy-rich isomer capable of storing solar energy.

How The System Works

In the researcher’s prototype system, the Sun’s energy is trapped using a satellite dish-like device which follows the motion of the sun and condenses its sunlight into a single point containing the isomer. The isomers are then stored at room temperature to better maintain the energy potential of the molecule and minimise energy loss.

To release the energy, the isomer is then filtered through a special catalyst that can control the release of the pent up energy. The reaction which takes place within the catalyst heats up the isomer by 63 degrees celsius, releasing the energy and simultaneously returning the molecule to its original state to be reused.

This means solar energy caught on one day can be preserved and later used during periods where generating traditional solar power is not feasible – such as at night or on overcast days.

The team behind the project believe their invention could be used in domestic heating systems, which could pass the molecules from roof to heating system in a circular process. What’s more, the reaction that takes place within the MOST does not damage the molecule, allowing them to be reused indefinitely for emissions-free heating.

The Chalmers team is not the only group eying a molecular solution to energy storage, with MIT developing a similar system. However, according to research team leader, Kasper Moth-Poulsen, the MOST system is already operating better than expected:

“The energy in this isomer can now be stored for up to 18 years. And when we come to extract the energy and use it, we get a warmth increase which is greater than we dared hope for.”

It is hoped the MOST system can overcome the renewable energy storing issues which have long dogged the concept. The main problem with renewable power source is that they are often intermittent, meaning they are poorly placed to respond to the fluctuating power demands of users. Whereas fossil fuel power stations can simply burn more or less fuel to generate electricity, renewable power stations either fail to meet demand, or in some cases, have to wastefully use up electricity to avoid overloading the grid.

Solar energy is often stored in large lithium-based batteries, but these are impractical for domestic use due to their size and expense. Furthermore, they begin to lose charge as soon as they are disconnected from the solar panels, potentially losing all their charge in a matter of weeks. This mean they are poor choices for preserving energy between seasons which may feature extremely different levels of energy production and need.

Moth-Poulsen and his team aren’t quite ready to claim victory in this battle just yet. Firstly, they need to further develop the concept into a coherent whole, as well as increase the heat output of the molecule. The team aims to eventually boost output to 110 degrees celsius before making a commercial release – which it hopes to achieve in the next decade.

TAGGED WITH
Wintures: How Solar Power is Helping to Secure Clean Drinking Water in Sub-Saharan Africa

Wintures offers a solution to a serious, global problem - a robust, affordable off-grid desalination system that can turn salt or brackish water into something that's fit to drink.

Twin Transformations in the EU: Clean Energy Must Power Digitalisation

As our lives become more digital and our energy greener, by acknowledging their interrelated nature, the EU has a key role to play in ensuring this results in a more sustainable Europe.

Solar Power For a Rainy Day: Experimental Panels Generate Electricity From Rain Water

A new experimental solar panel is under development which hopes to generate electricity come rain or shine.

A New Material Could Help to Solve the Issue of How to Store Solar Thermal Energy

Researchers at MIT have developed a material that can store heat and release it when needed - meaning exciting possibilities for the future of solar thermal power.


Aceleron: Giving Old Batteries a Second Lease of Life

Laptop battery on its last legs? Don't get rid of it just yet - it could still be repurposed into a new form of low cost energy storage.

Solar Photos Are the New Solar Panels

A team of Finnish scientists found a way to print solar electricity-generating photographs. In a world obsessed with pictures and advertisement, this could create a new important source of energy.As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. A new breakthrough means it could also be worth some precious electrons.