Creating a battery that uses redox materials to store renewable energy is a major advance. Although this discovery is still in its early stages, Its ability to efficiently store renewable energy represents a milestone In the energy sector.
This development It promises to solve problems associated with power reserve Coming from sources such as solar panels and windmills. The invention opens new possibilities for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Its ability to optimally store and release energy will not only drive the adoption of renewable sources, but also… It will open new opportunities for innovation in various sectors.
What do we understand by renewable energy?
Nowadays, concern for the environment and depletion of natural resources has led more and more people to be interested in using renewable energy. But what exactly is renewable energy and why is it so important? Renewable energy It is obtained from inexhaustible natural sourcesSuch as sunlight, wind, water or biomass.
Unlike fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas or coal, renewable energy sources do not deplete as they are used and do not generate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
The most famous types of renewable energy
- One of the most popular and widely used types of renewable energy is solar energy. this It is obtained by capturing solar radiation Through photovoltaic panels or thermal panels, which convert the sun’s energy into electricity or heat. It is a clean and abundant source, as the sun constantly emits energy and is an inexhaustible source of energy.
- Another source of renewable energy is wind energy.Which is obtained through the force of the wind. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, which can be used to power homes, businesses and industries. Wind energy is a clean and sustainable source of energy, and does not emit polluting gases or contribute to climate change.
- Hydropower is another form of renewable energyWhich is obtained through the force of water movement such as rivers, lakes or seas. Hydroelectric power plants take advantage of the kinetic energy of water to generate electricity, through turbines and generators. Hydropower is a clean, renewable energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases and can generate large amounts of electricity continuously.
The importance of renewable energy storage
The move towards a society less reliant on fossil fuels is crucial, and renewable energy plays an essential role in this process. So much so that the European Union has put it at the heart of its long-term decarbonization strategy Using clean sources to achieve climate neutrality in 2050.
Despite its importance, Solar and wind power generation presents a major challenge: intermittency. The sun and wind do not always coincide with peak electricity demand, making their effective integration into the electrical grid difficult.
To make the most of the potential of renewable energy, It is necessary to develop energy storage systems. These systems allow energy generated during times of low demand to be saved for use during times of high demand, such as at night, when there is no sun or wind.
New battery
The new battery is based on the revolutionary use of redox materialsReduction and oxidation reactions occur during the charging and discharging process. This dynamic indicates that one reactant donates electrons while the other accepts them, allowing energy to be stored and released efficiently.
The potential of these batteries goes beyond simply storing energy. It is considered the ideal solution for warranty Reliable power source in various weather conditions.
In addition to the residential area These batteries could also revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. Their versatility allows the creation of specialized batteries to meet different needs, from short city trips to long-distance road trips.
Another of its advantages is that It has the ability to significantly reduce production costs. It has been recognized that one of the most expensive parts of conventional batteries is the membrane that separates the positive and negative sides. Removing this membrane in the new design could make the batteries more accessible for a variety of applications.
Other viewpoints
So far, Hydraulic pumping is the most effective method For large-scale energy storage.
This system takes advantage of the potential energy of water stored in tanks to generate electricity when necessary. Its efficiency is close to 90% It is in state-of-the-art facilities and has practically unlimited capacity for charge and discharge cycles.
Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, are another important energy storage technology. but, Facing challenges such as the cost and limitations of lithium.
Green hydrogen, which is produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, It is a key piece in the energy storage puzzle. Operational commercial projects for storing electricity using hydrogen are expected to be implemented by 2030.
However, their distribution and export pose significant challenges in terms of costs and logistics. next to, Its price is currently not competitive Compared to other hydrogen sources.
So, New batteries are expected to play a leading role In the near future, due to its high energy density, although it is still under development.
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