Renewable Revolution

Energy => Renewables => Topic started by: AGelbert on November 21, 2013, 02:49:24 pm


Title: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on November 21, 2013, 02:49:24 pm
Yes, the article is over a year old but the technology is still there and still working GREAT! It's another innovative example of storing energy to avoid peak demands or spikes using a type of battery with UNLIMITED CHARGE CYCLES!  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)

Is That Onions You Smell? Or Battery Juice?
05/16/2012

Gills Onions, a food processing company based in Oxnard, Calif., needs copious amounts of electricity for refrigeration, lighting and other jobs, and it sets an example by making its own, using onion waste. But it recently became a little greener — and more economical — by adding an enormous battery.

Gills processes about a million pounds of onions a day. Of that, about 300,000 pounds a day — the tops, bottoms and outer peels — is waste. “We slice, we dice, we whole-peel,’’ said Nikki Rodoni, a spokeswoman. Disposing of that material involved considerable labor as well as diesel fuel for the trucks, and storing it on site made the company unpopular with neighbors, she said.

So a few years ago Gills switched to squeezing the wastes to produce about 30,000 gallons of juice. It might not be to human tastes, but it is rich in sugars and attractive to bacteria.

The juice goes into a device called an anaerobic digester, basically an oxygen-free chamber, where bacteria break it down and produce methane gas. After it is cleaned and dried, the methane is fed to two fuel cells that quietly and cleanly covert it to 600 kilowatts of electricity. (The remainder of the onion waste becomes cattle feed.)

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ese-prod/uploads/project/image_1/2/DSC_2267.JPG)

That cost $10.8 million, but it worked well. Still, at some hours, Gills needs far more than 600 kilowatts — about three times as much. Then it must buy electricity from Southern California Edison, and for Gills, that posed two problems.

One was that it was buying energy at the most expensive time of the day, weekday afternoons, when the system’s loads are high. The other is that commercial customers like Gills pay not only for energy, but also for peak capacity, or the highest level of power demand that they require in the course of a month.

So it is now taking a second, unusual approach to electricity, harnessing a gigantic battery built by Prudent Energy of Bethesda, Md. The Prudent battery is the same in principle as many others, with a liquid electrolyte that can shuttle ions back and forth to absorb current or create it. But it has external tanks to store huge volumes of electrolyte and takes up a space the size of a tennis court.

The battery can absorb or give back another 600 kilowatts for as long as six hours. Fully charged, it holds enough energy to run a large suburban house for about four months.

In California, with time-of-use rates, the electricity can be bought at night for less than half what it costs during the day. It is not pure savings because the battery loses 10 to 30 percent of the energy in the round trip from the grid to the battery and back out again on its way to the electricity-using device.

But in addition to letting the company pay nighttime prices for electricity used in the daytime, the battery provides a kind of insurance: it can step in instantaneously if one of the fuel cells unexpectedly shuts down, according to Jeff Pierson, senior vice president of Prudent. That prevents a spike in Gills’s demand from the grid and thus eliminates higher demand charges.

The two companies did not disclose the price of the battery. It will initially be owned by Prudent, with Gills having an option to buy it later. Called a vanadium battery for the material used in the electrolyte, it is the largest of its kind in the world, Mr. Pierson said. He suggested that similar ones could be installed around the country.

“This time-of-use play is not unique to California,’’ he said. “There are plenty of other places around the country where you have that sort of differential between off-peak and peak.’’

Batteries like this one have a variety of potential uses. Grid operators around the country are looking for storage devices that can accept signals to draw power off the system or give it back on short notice — usually at four-second intervals — to balance supply and demand and keep the alternating current system properly synchronized.

And on the West Coast, electric grid operators are going to greater lengths to find ways to compensate for sudden surges or drops in generation from wind or solar installations. Batteries like Prudent’s can do both, although the one at Gills is not currently set up for those tasks.

For more information:
Prudent Energy Corporation(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fcrunchbase_prod_assets%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F0007%2F8872%2F78872v1.jpg&hash=bbd3287bdd9156ae3be122d277d29eb2ee384154)

7200 Wisconsin Avenue | 10th Floor | Bethesda, MD | 20814-7227
Main: 1-301-825-8910 | Fax: 1-301-825-8914 | www.pdenergy.com
http://www.pdenergy.com/news-051612-isthatonions.php

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on December 13, 2013, 11:20:57 pm
DoE Energy Storage Report Praised By ESA

The US Department of Energy has released their Grid Energy Storage report to the members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, identifying the benefits of grid energy storage, the challenges to be addressed, and the current efforts being made to meet those selfsame challenges.

In response, the Electricity Storage Association has publicly praised the report, “noting that it affirms that wide-scale deployment of storage technologies in the U.S. and around the world is critical to maintaining a resilient, cost-effective electric grid.”

“The ESA is pleased that the Department of Energy will be providing analysis, tools, and opportunities for public-private partnerships–playing to the strengths of the agency while enhancing the ability of the energy storage industry to move forward with commercialization,” said Darrell Hayslip, Chairman of the Electricity Storage Association. ”The report certainly reinforces our view that storage is an essential component to a more resilient, reliable, and balanced energy grid. ESA believes that it is not a matter of whether storage will be deployed; it is a matter of how fast that occurs. Given the focus indicated in this report, DOE is poised to assist in those efforts.”

“Energy storage is a vital component of a more resilient, reliable and efficient electric grid,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “We must continue developing innovative energy storage technologies and finding new ways to ensure wider adoption to help move the nation closer to the grid of the future.”

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fcleantechnica.com%2Ffiles%2F2013%2F12%2F8905201835_bbef1b4f0c.jpg&hash=2e9e61eb24d80c210b91f2333a2da205595ca24d)
Portland General Electric’s Salem Smart Power Center includes a large-scale energy storage system.
Image Credit: Portland General via Flickr

The report highlights four challenges that must be addressed if energy storage is to be widely developed and accepted:

the development of cost-effective energy storage technologies

validated reliability and safety

an equitable regulatory environment

industry acceptance


The DoE noted that energy storage is ultimately necessary now, more than ever, given the increasing trend towards renewable energies which are inherently unstable in their energy production — solar relying on daylight and cloudless skies, wind on strong winds, etc. Incorporating energy storage into the grid will become more and more necessary, as these energy technologies will at times be producing more than is necessary — energy that will need to be stored — and sometimes producing less than is expected — at which point energy storage can step in to fill the gap.

“Developing and deploying energy storage opens the door to adding more renewable power to the grid, which is essential to the fight against climate change,” Wyden said. “Energy storage will also help lower consumer costs by saving low-cost power for peak times and making renewable energy available when it’s needed the most, not just when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Moniz to find ways to implement the DOE’s recommendations to make energy storage an integral part of our country’s electricity grid.”

The Department of Energy released four key strategies from the report:

Cost-competitive energy storage technology can be achieved through research, resolving economic and performance barriers, and creating analytical tools for design, manufacturing, innovation and deployment.

The reliability and safety of energy storage technologies can be validated through research and development, creation of standard testing protocols, independent testing against utility requirements, and documenting the performance of installed systems.

Establishing an equitable regulatory environment is possible by conducting public-private evaluations of grid benefits, exploring technology-neutral mechanisms for monetizing grid services, and developing industry and regulatory agency-accepted standards for siting, grid integration, procurement and performance evaluation.


Industry acceptance can be achieved through field trials and demonstrations and use of industry-accepted planning and operational tools to incorporate storage onto the grid.

This report goes a long way to increasing the awareness of the need for energy storage, but comes in the wake of other good news, as late November the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission adopted Order 792.

As FERC explained when issuing Order 792:

the Commission finds it necessary under section 206 of the Federal Power Act to revise the pro forma SGIP [Small Generator Interconnection Procedures] and pro forma SGIA [Small Generator Interconnection Agreement] to ensure that the rates, terms and conditions under which public utilities provide interconnection service to Small Generating Facilities remain just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory.

As Tina Casey explained in her November article, “Rule 792 adds energy storage as a power source that is eligible to connect to the grid. It effectively puts energy storage in the same category as the existing Small Generator Interconnection Procedures and makes it eligible for the existing Fast Track process.”


With Federal and academic support, not to mention enormous public support among clean energy supporters, energy storage is likely to soon be playing a much larger role in America’s energy future. Without a doubt there will still be stiff resistance from the entrenched energy market, but as solar and wind figures continue to grow, it is only a matter of time before the grid starts to see mass adoption of energy storage as a means to smooth out the intricacies of renewable energy delivery.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_0293.gif&hash=b1af4868ed8f18c30e637f8cbcb79002f6f71039)


http://cleantechnica.com/2013/12/13/doe-energy-storage-report-praised-esa/#Xq7OgZhkRywZgZM2.99
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on December 13, 2013, 11:42:23 pm
Japanese energy giants rush into storage as solar booms

By Giles Parkinson on 4 December 2013


Japan is emerging as a hot-spot for energy storage projects, as utilities and technology companies look to battery-based solutions in response to the surge in solar PV installations.

Two new battery storage projects have been announced in the past week, with Toshiba to install a 20MWh/40MW lithium-ion battery project in Tohuku, and the island of Okinawa announcing a 2MW battery storage project on Tuesday.

Japan is expected to be the largest market for solar PV installations in 2013, with around 9GW to be installed following the introduction of feed in tariffs last year in response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.


This year, the Japanese government launched a $300 million grant program to support the installation of large scale battery systems to help integrate renewables into the grid.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F47b20s0.gif&hash=cc48c9af9d29b8836023c7db21103e52d1ed439e)


Bloomberg New Energy Finance reports that that the Toshiba system announced on November 26 will provide frequency regulation and operating reserves for Tohoku Electric. It is due to be commissioned in February next year.

On Okinawa, the country’s southern-most island, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced a 2MW lead battery storage system to respond to up to 57MW of solar farms of 300kW or more that are expected to be in place by the end of the year.

The ministry says this is reaching capacity for the island and new systems may not be able to be installed without storage. The 2MW system may increase the renewable capacity by around 10 per cent. The pilot project will be combined with another study into grid management.

Earlier this year, the northern island of Hokkaido also announced a 60MWh/15MW redox flow battery storage project would be built by Sumitomo because of the large amount of solar PV systems being installed.

Hokkaido Electric has received applications for 1.6GW of solar PV projects of 2MW or more, thanks to its large amounts of available land, but the utility estimates it can only cope with 400MW of that. It has only one 600MW inteconnecter with neighbouring Tohuku Electric.

Japan intends to reform its regional grid system and electricity market in the next few years to facilitate the introduction of more distributed energy. Currently 10 regional utilities are responsible for different sections of the grid and have a monopoly in each region for generation, transmission and distribution, and legislation is being introduced to loosen the control of the vertically-integrated utilities.

http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/japanese-energy-giants-rush-storage-solar-booms-58508
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on January 23, 2014, 03:40:24 pm

Sweet Science: Researcher Develops Energy-dense Sugar Battery  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)


Zeke Barlow, Virginia Tech
 January 23, 2014 

A Virginia Tech research team has developed a battery that runs on sugar and has an unmatched energy density, a development that could replace conventional batteries with ones that are cheaper, refillable, and biodegradable.


The findings from Y.H. Percival Zhang, an associate professor of biological systems engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering, were published today in the journal Nature Communications.

While other sugar batteries have been developed, this one has an energy density an order of magnitude higher than others, allowing it to run longer before needing to be refueled, Zhang said.

In as soon as three years, Zhang's new battery could be running some of the cell phones, tablets, video games, and the myriad other electronic gadgets that require power in our energy-hungry world, Zhang said.

"Sugar is a perfect energy storage compound in nature," Zhang said. "So it's only logical that we try to harness this natural power in an environmentally friendly way to produce a battery."


In America alone, billions of toxic batteries are thrown away every year, posing a threat to both the environment and human health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Zhang's development could help keep hundreds of thousands of tons of batteries from ending up in landfills.


This is one of Zhang's discoveries in the last year that utilize a series of enzymes mixed together in combinations not found in nature. He has published articles on creating edible starch from non-food plants and developed a new way to extract hydrogen in an economical and environmentally friendly way that can be used to power vehicles.

In this newest development, Zhang and his colleagues constructed a non-natural synthetic enzymatic pathway that strip all charge potentials from the sugar to generate electricity in an enzymatic fuel cell. Then, low-cost biocatalyst enzymes are used as catalyst instead of costly platinum, which is typically used in conventional batteries.

Like all fuel cells, the sugar battery combines fuel — in this case, maltodextrin, a polysaccharide made from partial hydrolysis of starch — with air to generate electricity and water as the main byproducts.

"We are releasing all electron charges stored in the sugar solution slowly step-by-step by using an enzyme cascade," Zhang said.

Different from hydrogen fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells, the fuel sugar solution is neither explosive nor flammable and has a higher energy storage density. The enzymes and fuels used to build the device are biodegradable.


The battery is also refillable and sugar can be added to it much like filling a printer cartridge with ink.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/01/sweet-science-researcher-develops-energy-dense-sugar-battery (http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/01/sweet-science-researcher-develops-energy-dense-sugar-battery)


Agelbert NOTE: IT'S ABOUT TIME Homo SAP started using and storing energy like the biosphere does (i.e.  releasing all electron charges stored in the sugar solution slowly step-by-step by using an enzyme cascade)!  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fearthhug.gif&hash=3abcf70466f34337f2d702ebd9e02c650d5c4c20)

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on January 23, 2014, 04:15:39 pm
Jan 22, 2014

Author
Laurie Guevara-​Stone

Writer / Editor

Batteries to Bolster Solar


Looking beyond SolarCity and Tesla’s backup system

When SolarCity and Tesla last month announced they were teaming up to offer battery backup for residential solar PV systems, they generated much excitement … and a disproportionate amount of press. From Greentech Media to the New York Times, stories abound about how the union of these two companies heralds the next stage in the evolution of distributed energy resources.


(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trbimg.com%2Fimg-529fba88%2Fturbine%2Fhc-solarcity-battery-storage-tesla-20131204-001%2F600%2F450x600&hash=9d9657ac4f343e6b72c7b7d1ffeeab4743d85783)(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.inhabitat.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F04%2Ftesla-solar-city-lithium-ion-storage-off-the-grid-1-537x357.jpg&hash=1f7c5221c2863ea901679d1eb96cff6044888e29)


(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdqbasmyouzti2.cloudfront.net%2Fassets%2Fcontent%2Fcache%2Fmade%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FSolarCity_Storage_Illustration_580_251.png&hash=20d14b4cd0d9cea98b4f26cde2db2da1e3591d4e)

Yet solar-plus-storage has actually been around for decades. In fact, it was what kickstarted the solar industry in the early 1980s. A bunch of marijuana “farmers” in northern California who weren’t connected to the grid needed a way to get electric lights for their grow operations. A young hippie stumbled upon an ARCO solar panel at a consumer electronics show, and soon after founded AEE Solar and started powering off-grid homes with solar panels and car batteries, and his customers always paid in cash.

With the 1990s’ deregulation and incentives for solar PV, grid-connected systems became popular, and the only people worried about storage were those trying to electrify remote homes in lesser-developed countries. But solar and storage systems became a hot topic once again in 1999, when people were worried about Y2K and the potential end of society as we know it. “We were glad when homeowners wanted to learn about grid-tied PV systems with battery storage,” Johnny Weiss, founder of Solar Energy International, told RMI. “After January 1, 2000 came and went without disaster, interest in batteries clearly seemed to become less important.”

That interest is now back. Whether due to disasters like Superstorm Sandy, when millions of homes lost power, or to the ability of commercial customers to reduce hefty demand charges through peak shaving, the idea of putting solar and batteries together is gaining a lot of renewed attention.

Making Storage Sexy

The new SolarCity/Tesla partnership uses Tesla’s battery technology to offer backup power for SolarCity’s residential solar customers. However, the actual product offering is not that new; others have been offering similar products for years.

Green Charge Networks’ GreenStations and Stem’s battery systems, for example, decrease electrical costs for commercial and industrial customers by storing power during non-peak hours for use during peak periods. GreenStations have already been installed in multiple locations throughout New York City. Stem claims utility bills for companies using its storage system will be cut by 10–40 percent.

Then there’s Solar Grid Storage. Maryland’s first microgrid, installed this past October at Konterra headquarters, uses a 402 kW array with a Solar Grid Storage system that will keep 50 kW online for over four hours if the grid goes down. And on the residential side, NRG is offering solar canopies—shade structures constructed of photovoltaic panels with a battery to store the electricity for use at night or during a blackout. Utility companies are also getting into the game, with San Diego Borrego Springs and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District both currently testing home-level storage.


What is exciting is all the attention that is being drawn to it, thanks to the big names of Tesla and Solar City and the man that links them: Elon Musk. Musk seems to bring high visibility to anything he does, and the solar-plus-battery offering is no exception. “Both Solar City and Tesla are known to be insurgents and disruptors, (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fmaniac.gif&hash=9ecf389a7da25db958f3f63461cbb45a4b316c4e) and that’s why there’s so much attention on this particular offering,” says RMI senior associate Leia Guccione. While before not many people paid attention to solar-plus-battery systems, “Tesla adds that sexy element, where people are definitely paying attention now.”

Yet the significance is not that Tesla and Solar City are bringing us into a new paradigm, but that the solar-plus-storage idea is gaining a whole lot of traction. “For a long time battery energy storage was referred to as the holy grail of energy; people said it will become viable when we figure out cold fusion,” according to Guccione. “Now people know this is a technology that’s coming out of infancy, and more companies are coming out with commercial offerings. This is further evidence that battery energy storage is here and is here to stay.” RMI associate Bodhi Rader adds: “More people are entering the space. We could call this a game-changing moment.”

Beyond Backup

What’s even more exciting in the solar-plus-battery arena is what batteries offer beyond backup—to both solar PV and the grid and utilities. Voltage and frequency regulation. Black-start capability after macro- or microgrid outages. Using batteries as a less expensive alternative to peaking plants during high-demand periods. Demand charge reductions via peak shaving. Shifting load profiles with batteries to take better advantage of time-of-use electricity pricing. And the list goes on.

If current trends are any indication, soon batteries may become a common part of solar PV systems, including residential. “This will be a whole-home energy solution,” according to Guccione. “That’s where the next frontier is, and we hope to see SolarCity and Tesla go there.”

And pretty soon it won’t just be for those in the higher-income bracket. Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts that battery storage costs will fall 57 percent by 2020. And Lux Research sees the global market for PV systems combined with battery storage growing from the current $200 million dollars a year to $2.8 billion in 2018.

“We look at economics as the thing that will bring the critical mass to the tipping point,” says Guccione. “There has to be a whole wave of first movers—but the increasingly favorable economics will evolve solar-plus-battery systems from early adopters to a mainstream solution.” And that’s why it is so exciting that more companies are starting to offer battery storage. Solar installers will start to get asked if they offer battery storage options more often, and with more demand and more players entering the field, the price will go down, utility companies will come up with innovative business models, and a solar system without battery storage will seem so last decade.

New business models will make it easy for customers to add storage to existing systems or build storage into new systems, through leasing and third-party financing models similar to what has made rooftop PV so accessible. And solar-plus-battery systems will be available to the masses, not just to off-grid pot farmers who can pay in cash. All good news for people wanting clean, reliable electricity.

http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2014_01_22_batteries_to_bolster_solar
Title: Tesla to create battery packs that "last long, are super safe & compact".
Post by: AGelbert on February 28, 2014, 06:06:37 pm
Musk Says Renewable Energy Shift to Bring ‘Strife’ for Utilities   ;D

 Mark Chediak and Alan Ohnsman, Bloomberg 
 February 28, 2014 

LOS ANGELES -- Tesla Motors Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said shifting to greater use of solar and wind power will challenge utility companies.



The shift to much greater use of renewable energy will bring “some amount of strife for the existing utilities, especially for those invested more heavily in fossil fuels,” Musk, who is also chairman of solar-power company SolarCity Corp., said today at a California Public Utilities Commission event in San Francisco.


Tesla, the electric-car maker, based in Palo Alto, California, said yesterday it plans to invest as much as $5 billion to build the world’s largest battery factory. The company is seeking to drive down the cost of lithium-ion batteries used in its cars by at least 30 percent. Tesla also has developed a battery that could be used to provide backup power to homes, commercial sites and utilities, according to a regulatory filing yesterday.

Tesla is “working to create stationary battery packs that last long, are super safe and are compact,” Musk said.

Musk and his cousin, SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive, spoke at the commission as part of its “Thought Leaders” series. The agency regulates power companies in the state.

“There is no doubt storage will become cost effective and deliver electricity with storage at night,” Rive said.

Utilities in California, which are taking months to connect residential solar panels to their systems, are delaying change because they profit from the current system, Rive said.

‘Existing Game’

“When you have a game-changing technology, those in the game don’t want to change,” Rive said. “They like the existing game, the sole source, cost-plus model.”

Rive said it now takes eight months for utilities in California to connect a SolarCity solar and energy storage system to the grid.

Tesla’s proposed battery factory could accelerate changes in the electric utility business as more customers start producing and storing their own power, Adam Jonas, a Morgan Stanley analyst, said in a Feb. 25 note. Musk is also chairman and the largest shareholder in SolarCity, which is now offering Tesla batteries as part of a system for its rooftop solar customers in parts of California and New England.

Other companies are starting to provide similar products as customers seek ways to cut the cord to the traditional U.S. monopoly power utility, which had sales totaling about $360 billion in 2012.

‘Storage Opportunity’

The company has said it’s exploring locations in Texas, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico for the 10 million-square-foot battery facility that would be key to expanding Tesla’s production from 35,000 cars a year to 500,000 or more.

“While the grid storage opportunity makes the Tesla story more interesting and is likely to further boost stock momentum, we do not see it as a financial game changer,” Barclays Plc analysts led by Brian Johnson, who rates Tesla the equivalent of a hold, said in a note to clients today.

Tesla dropped 0.2 percent to close at $252.54 in New York, the first day this week it hasn’t closed at a record high. The stock has jumped 68 percent this year. SolarCity rose 1.4 percent to a record $86.14.

Copyright 2014 Bloomberg

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/02/musk-says-renewable-energy-shift-to-bring-strife-for-utilities
Title: The Wide Appeal of Batteries for the Renewable Energy Market
Post by: AGelbert on June 06, 2014, 10:26:36 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-l3VE0qQQbtE%2FT_ZU86y_NJI%2FAAAAAAAAyMs%2FERO8zMDhl3Y%2Fs1600%2F07-09-2012j.png&hash=1d88c98a632c848bb38fd4779374921d9dea9888)


The Wide Appeal of Batteries for the Renewable Energy Market

Both the developing and the developed world have reasons to employ battery technology. Here’s why.  ;D


 Bruce Dorminey, Correspondent 
 June 05, 2014

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/06/the-wide-appeal-of-batteries-for-the-renewable-energy-market?cmpid=WNL-Friday-June6-2014
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on July 10, 2014, 05:20:26 pm
Lithium or Vanadium: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_6656.gif&hash=2038f9b45636a93e5c0f4ee508ce29778fe9e9b4)  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_1730.gif&hash=cdaf50326d98ff7b051a9c49e83d51c7bb687407)  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_1402.gif&hash=704ddbc7a892750ad55e7a7bea92270b1df3ecba) In Energy Storage, It’s No Contest

Bill Watkins, Imergy Power Systems
July 10, 2014

Agelbert NOTE: Mr. Watkins' book is Vanadium, so his bias shows. But his statements are, overall, accurate. The downsides of Lithium batteries are technological hurdles that will improve. I think there is ample room for both these technologies and several other battery electrolyte technologies as well.  ;D    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)


Energy storage is poised to transform the electricity industry. In the U.S. alone, energy storage will grow 6x, from 120 megawatts to over 720 megawatts by 2020. Globally, it will bring power for the first time to over a billion people by letting them tap into micro-grids.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.123rf.com%2F400wm%2F400%2F400%2Fyayayoy%2Fyayayoy1106%2Fyayayoy110600019%2F9735563-smiling-sun-showing-thumb-up.jpg&hash=09b45642ec6d7943d30b5b87548676e3ee7dbe3d) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumbs.dreamstime.com%2Fz%2Fchinese-emoticon-22648577.jpg&hash=e5f417f773692d246a108dcc451657cb8b2c6e05)


Lithium and vanadium have both been offered up as a basis for the storage economy. But which technology will win? Here are some facts about each – draw your own conclusions.

Cell Design

Lithium

Lithium batteries store their energy in cells. Some are flat. Some are cylindrical, but you’re familiar with what they are: relatively small, self-contained devices that get hot. There are probably two in your phone and six in your notebook. But in a grid scale storage system, you need hundreds of thousands of them. It would be sort of like building an industrial-scale cold storage facility with a bunch of portable refrigerators. You can do it; it just won’t work well.

Vanadium

Vanadium flow batteries store their energy in tanks. The electrolyte — the fluid that transfers charges inside a battery — flows from one tank through the system back to the same tank. The tanks can be fish tank size or bigger than an above ground pool. As a result — and you will see this over and over again — it’s much easier to adapt flow batteries to industrial-scale applications without adding a lot of cost. You just make the tank bigger.

Cost

Lithium

Bloomberg New Energy Finance says the average cost of a lithium-ion based storage system is $1,750 a kilowatt hour. The cost includes the cells, electronics, installation and balance of systems expenses. By 2020, Baird Research projects that Tesla Motors' planned gigafactory will be able to produce energy storage systems for $400 a kilowatt hour — all in — and sell them for $500 a kilowatt hour.

Vanadium

Some vanadium batteries already provide complete energy storage systems for $500 per kilowatt hour, a figure that will fall below $300 per kilowatt hour in less than a year. That is a full five years before the gigafactory hits its stride. By 2020, those energy storage systems will be produced for $150 a kwh.

Then there is scaling. If you want to double the size of a lithium system, you double the price: a ten kilowatt system would cost $17,500. With vanadium, you just increase the size of the tank, so the price per kilowatt hour goes down. Suddenly, the prices are going in different directions. Bigger is better.

Lifetime

Lithium

Grid batteries have to last for decades. The average age of a substation transformer in the U.S. is 42 years. Lithium ion batteries have a finite life. Performance degrades over time and is impacted by heat, operating conditions and how deep, and how often, they have been discharged. Battery University notes that the capacity of lithium ion cells can drop to a 50 percent level after 1,200 to 1,500 discharges.

Vanadium

Vanadium-based flow energy storage systems can operate forever. The active ingredient is a low-cost, rechargeable electrolyte, which never wears out due to the type of chemical reaction involved. The electronics and software to manage the system can be easily upgraded like any computer. The last major component — the plastic tanks for holding the electrolyte — lasts for decades.

Applicable Markets

Lithium

So with lithium you’ve got a small, expensive battery with a finite lifetime. To build a storage system for running demand response programs or a backup system that can provide four to six hours of power, you need thousands of cells. It’s like building a warehouse-scale facility with suitcases.

But it gets worse.  Lithium batteries also are subject to “thermal runaway” reactions, i.e. they can blow up.

Agelbert NOTE: "blowing up" is a low probability event in comparison with the explosion hazard of driving around with a tank a highly explosive liquid called GASOLINE. Of course a GIANT swimming pool sized Lithium battery would pose somewhat of a risk and would need safeguards.  The writer obviously prefers vanadium for many good reasons but the explosion thing is hyperbole.  ;)

Vanadium

Vanadium-based systems are made for industrial-size applications from a few kilowatts to several megawatts. And there is no danger of thermal reactions.

Manufacturing and Scalability

Lithium

Manufacturing lithium ion cells isn’t easy. Lithium ion cell maker A123 Systems filed for bankruptcy less than three years after it held an IPO. 

“The lithium ion battery manufacturing space is not for the weak of heart,” says Sam Jaffe, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “The electric vehicle market is growing slowly and the battery manufacturers are engaged in a Darwinian fight for survival.”

Tesla Motors’ Gigafactory would double the worldwide capacity to 50 Gigawatt hours worth of batteries and cost $5 billion dollars. It’s a big risk. It’s also worth noting that there is already significant unused lithium ion battery manufacturing capacity among vendors in Korea, China and Japan.

Vanadium

Setting up a Vanadium storage manufacturing facility is simple and very low cost — orders of magnitude less expensive than the proposed Gigafactory.  The production process is also simple, and ecologically safe. The electrolyte and other active components are combined as one process step, the enclosure, made of pipes, tanks and electronics is assembled as a second process step, and they are then assembled into battery packs.  As a result, total worldwide capacity can “flow” much easier: manufacturing capacity can be added incrementally.

Efficiency

Lithium batteries are 85 percent efficient over shallow discharges when new. Flow batteries are around 75 percent efficient. But if you operate lithium ion batteries in an environment above 40 Celsius, the charge rate (i.e. the time it takes to charge) drops by 25 percent and the lifetime cycles drop by 33 percent. Below minus 20 Celsius, the charge rate drops by 40 percent. Imergy’s Vanadium batteries aren’t impacted.

Environmental Impact

Lithium

Lithium batteries for the most part aren’t recycled. Economically, it is just not worth it. The price of battery grade lithium hydroxide has more than tripled to $7,600 a ton.

Most lithium comes from mines and brine pit operations in Australia, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Talison Lithium, the largest producer in the world, extracts more than 350,000 tons of lithium ores out of a single mine a year.

Vanadium

Imergy Power Systems has come up with an innovative technique to extract vanadium for its storage systems from mine tailings, depleted oil wells and oil storage depots. To get our active ingredient, we clean up environmental hazards.
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Ftreeswing.gif&hash=03d29d18183a2924176defc1df7861676abb0960)  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fearthhug.gif&hash=3abcf70466f34337f2d702ebd9e02c650d5c4c20)


http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/07/lithium-or-vanadium-in-energy-storage-its-no-contest

Agelbert NOTE:For the pro-fossil fuel terminally dense, the above means that BATTERIES + SOLAR PV = NIGHTIME SOLAR POWER (with much more energy available than there EVER WAS with fossil fuels - 16TW/year versus 23,000 TW/year  :o  potential from SOLAR ALONE! (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl3.glitter-graphics.net%2Fpub%2F465%2F465823jzy0y15obs.gif&hash=797efc3cdc025a8263ef125725aae969446489c3)). Of course said math challenged fossil fueler whiners will claim that the POOR efficiency factor of PV negates all that 23,000 potential TW/year figure.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fgen152.gif&hash=d5b10968fe56c4cb95fae17cee3cb420a5f4e2da) You see, people like that never learned how do percentage calculations. That is, 16 is 0.0007% of 23,000. Uhh, PV is just a BIT MORE EFFICIENT than THAT!  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-tv-003.gif&hash=3c52897087efb555bf0fac47f85c13ef9eee5df4)
 


(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-120514161118.png&hash=7111b55bc2cff269ad526494c74b288138270f92)

I apologize to all those who can add and subtract for presenting the graphic below. It is placed there for logic and laws of thermodynamics challenged FOSSIL FUELERS that claim solar PV CANNOT provide energy at night!  ;D

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.renewablegreenenergypower.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2Fhow-solar-panels-work.jpg&hash=3661219e11b477331f8934f2ecdfaf3f0ff69540)

And of course there are OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY technologies, out there that will help at night...
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-100714103519.gif&hash=c6ea59750a010dd7a3e524640af0cc89caf41a55)
                              (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Flooksmiley.gif&hash=2fa679c2bf50092b12a1301928cb338275c3ba54)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-180614155536.png&hash=65418be384d0d228de3dff320a2000078907a6aa)

Title: Tesla Breaks Ground for Its Gigafactory in Nevada
Post by: AGelbert on August 04, 2014, 10:20:33 pm
Tesla Breaks Ground for Its Gigafactory in Nevada
James Nash and Alan Ohnsman, Bloomberg
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/08/tesla-breaks-ground-for-its-gigafactory-in-nevada
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 19, 2014, 10:19:02 pm
Grid Battery Storage: Four Reasons to Invest
The emerging battery storage market will present new opportunities for investors.
Richard Heap, A Word About Wind

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/07/grid-battery-storage-four-reasons-to-invest


Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 29, 2014, 04:07:07 pm
From Ashes to Energy: $1 Billion Alevo Battery Factory Surges On the Scene (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Ftuzki-bunnys%2Ftuzki-bunny-emoticon-022.gif&hash=3b60da70b71b7109fe66036056cb1dedc1affb43)

Taking over an old cigarette factory in North Carolina, Alevo announces new battery technology and 3.5 million square feet of factory space to make its new GridBank batteries in.

 Jennifer Runyon, Chief Editor, RenewableEnergyWorld.com 
 October 28, 2014  |  7 Comments  (at link)
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.renewableenergyworld.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fstory%2F2014%2F10%2F28%2Fbody-0-1414503384200.png&hash=2683ce91e478206f9c1b2a18338103ab8f7b23c0)

New Hampshire --  Having worked in stealth mode for the past 10 years, German researchers and serial entrepreneur Jostein Eikeland have developed a new battery chemistry that they claim is non-combustible and highly efficient. The batteries, say Alevo, have at their core a new inorganic electrolyte that eliminates “both the risk of combustion and explosion and massively reduces the debilitating effects of charging cycles.”

According to the company Alevo has demonstrated in testing that its batteries can be charged up to 40,000 times with no signs of increase in internal resistance.  :o    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad) This testing included over-charging followed by deep discharging. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smile-day.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F12%2FSmiley-Thumbs-Up2.jpg&hash=4c6cf4d5dab0f54b88dfa0c9247ae699eff03821)

The technology will be manufactured into what the company calls a “GridBank,” which is a large container-sized 2-MW (1 MWh) utility scale battery that in conjunction with the company’s battery management system, which it calls Alevo Analytics, will work to make the grid more efficient and smooth out fluctuations in energy caused by intermittent renewables like wind power and solar PV.  “What this means in practice is lower costs to the utilities, smaller bills for the consumer and a reduction in greenhouse gases per megawatt that will help cost-effective coal-fired generation achieve the EPA Clean Power limits,” said Eikeland in a statement.

GridBanks will be manufactured in Concord, North Carolina in a former Phillip-Morris cigarette factory, which is opening today. The manufacturing plant will create 2,500 jobs at the outset and will employ as many as 6,000 people when (and if) it reaches peak production capacity. Alevo says that the factory will be able to produce up to 480 GridBanks in the first year of production, set to begin in 2015. The company said it will be deploying and commissioning production lines that will produce 40 GridBanks per month by July 2015.

The manufacturing plant sits on 2,023 acres, 1,500 of which is green field, which along with Duke Energy’s 38-MW substation on the property mean that the existing access to natural gas, water, sewer and fiber all exceed Alevo’s manufacturing requirements.

Alevo’s heritage in battery technology dates back to 2004. The past decade has seen continued investment in the core battery technology and in software development of the Alevo Analytics Suite. The investment in the combined research and development, together with the acquisition and fit-out of the manufacturing supply chain, represents a start-up investment of over $1 billion that has been met through private investments and equity funds.

The company is also announcing that it has two national level contracts. Alevo and China-ZK, a 51 percent private funded body that coordinates energy infrastructure in China, have signed a strategic agreement to promote and commercialize Alevo’s technology products and services in China. Meanwhile, in Turkey, Alevo has signed a joint venture distribution partnership deal with TSG and RBM.

Today, grid frequency is maintained through fossil fuel plants and demand reduction programs, explains the company. Frequency regulation through energy storage enables a higher efficiency in the grid, as over produced electricity can be stored and then discharged when the frequency is dropping. Alevo claims that its technology will reduce 30 percent of the energy “waste” on the grid. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)

RenewableEnergyWorld.com will continue to offer updates on Alevo and its new technology in the coming months.

Lead image: Aerial view of Alevo's Concord, NC manufacturing facility. Credit: Alevo. (at link)
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/10/from-ashes-to-energy-1-billion-alevo-battery-factory-surges-one-the-scene#comment-136502
 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.uglyhedgehog.com%2Fupload%2F2012%2F8%2F14%2F1344970546338-awesome_mc_ht_smiley.gif&hash=3ae7abfc4fed4417a941b6f116204b754f1e587f)

Title: What is Gridbank? It's a mortal threat to fossil fuel peak load gas plants!
Post by: AGelbert on October 29, 2014, 08:59:11 pm
What is a gridbank?

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Falevo.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F10%2Fbanner.jpg&hash=9d14ed4cdc536d16a558cc047ca2b0859b509f1b)

GridBanks are energy reservoirs that store and deliver grid-scale electricity on demand.


•Stores electricity when too much is produced (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)

•Delivers electricity when too little is produced  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)

•Balances the transmission so the voltage and frequency are constant – fluctuation creates costly and damaging disturbances (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.123rf.com%2F400wm%2F400%2F400%2Fyayayoy%2Fyayayoy1106%2Fyayayoy110600019%2F9735563-smiling-sun-showing-thumb-up.jpg&hash=09b45642ec6d7943d30b5b87548676e3ee7dbe3d)

•Allows fossil fuel power-plants to operate more efficiently – reducing pollution and cost (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F8.gif&hash=c1d98e606d7f558df4040f88e7997b3e11e9448c)

•Enables smooth renewables integration  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smile-day.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F12%2FSmiley-Thumbs-Up2.jpg&hash=4c6cf4d5dab0f54b88dfa0c9247ae699eff03821)


(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Falevo.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F10%2Fimg-gridbank.png&hash=b1a577f05ebd2653b9a5e9e1e3b658918870e2b7)

Gridbank is:

THE SOLUTION — Deployment of GridBanks tied to the electric grid across the globe solves these myriad challenges. GridBanks will cut the real cost of electricity from generation to transmission and delivery, while gradually transitioning supply from fossil fuel to renewables. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)


http://alevo.com/gridbank/what-is-a-gridbank/




Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 29, 2014, 09:16:25 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-291014211404.png&hash=989572b40075068473caff788bda09b12ab97232)
ALEVO BATTERY TECHNOLOGY (ABT)

At the center of the GridBank is the Alevo Battery.

ABT… Safe. Robust. Reliable.

Alevo Battery Technology brings the first inorganic lithium battery to the commercial marketplace, bringing unprecedented attributes to the energy storage market. Due to its inorganic nature, the battery is non-flammable (Safety) and creates minimal internal resistance (Long Life).
   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Ftuzki-bunnys%2Ftuzki-bunny-emoticon-036.gif&hash=8ec7abacc074bac7984d9b80fbca377b3afb119d)


SAFE
•Alevo batteries are non-flammable and non-combustible
•CO UN Certification


ROBUST

•High discharge power rate and high pulse current conducive to electric grid applications
•Fully dischargeable, the only lithium battery that offers 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD)  :o  ;D
•Highly durable – can tolerate extreme temperature swings
•No calendric aging and can be stored in a complete discharged state  ;D


RELIABLE
•Extreme long life cycle
Constant internal resistance  ;D over cycle life
Constant power  ;D over cycle life

http://alevo.com/gridbank/alevo-battery-technology-abt/

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 30, 2014, 04:03:40 pm
Alevo Planning Battery Plant in Former Cigarette Factory

By Ehren Goossens  Oct 27, 2014 6:28 PM ET     

Alevo Group SA, a Swiss startup, is planning a battery factory to produce energy-storage systems for utilities to manage intermittent power supplies from renewable sources such as wind and sunlight.

The company paid $68.5 million for a former cigarette factory in Concord, North Carolina and expects to begin production next year, according to a statement today. It will initially make about 40 GridBank systems a month, shipping containers packed with lithium-ion batteries that can hold about 2 megawatts. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)


The growing use of renewable energy   ;D will become a challenge for utilities that must maintain a constant flow of electricity. That will create demand for storage technologies that can help balance supply and demand, said Jostein Eikeland, Martigny, Switzerland-based Alevo’s chairman  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3), chief executive officer and largest shareholder.

“We saw there was an opening in the market and saw the opportunity to be a shock absorber for the grid,” he said in an interview.

The 3.5 million square-foot (325,000 square-meter) former Philip Morris International Inc. factory will employ about 500 people in its first year, eventually expanding to 6,000 workers, he said.

Alevo’s 40-foot GridBank systems can be charged in about 30 minutes and the batteries can be charged and discharged more than 40,000 times, Eikeland said. Alevo is working with China-ZK International Energy Investment Co. to sell its systems in China and to build a manufacturing plant there. The company has similar sales and leasing agreements with companies in Turkey.

Alevo is one of several companies   ;D seeking to establish a foothold in energy-storage. The electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors Inc. is building a $5 billion plant in Nevada with Panasonic Corp. The facility, which has been called the Gigafactory will produce batteries for its vehicles.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ehren Goossens in New York at egoossens1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Reed Landberg at landberg@bloomberg.net Will Wade, Steven Frank

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-27/alevo-planning-battery-plant-in-former-cigarette-factory.html

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-object-062.gif&hash=88ceb4a34a12b2bea2fd9edd887da26d73308257)(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl2.glitter-graphics.net%2Fpub%2F1225%2F1225662m3squ1oj6v.gif&hash=04764acd98565ded05a519757ede60e502342499)

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 30, 2014, 04:28:22 pm
Stealthy Norwegian entrepreneur aims to revolutionize U.S. energy storage  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fballoons.gif&hash=a64bb5ff3e76c3e11999996c460fa02de1ee10f7)


By Nichola Groom

Mon Oct 27, 2014 5:21pm EDT  Jostein Eikeland, a Norwegian entrepreneur with a mixed record of success, is hoping to jolt the world of energy storage.

On Tuesday, Eikeland's latest venture, Alevo, will unveil a battery that he says will last longer and ultimately cost far less than rival technologies.
The technology, which is meant to store excess electricity generated by power plants, has been developed by Eikeland in secret for a decade.

"We've been very stealth," Eikeland said in a telephone interview. "We didn't know if we were going to succeed."

Martigny, Switzerland-based Alevo Group is gearing up to start manufacturing batteries next year at a massive former cigarette plant near Charlotte, North Carolina, that it says will employ 2,500 people within three years.

Eikeland, 46, said Alevo, named for the inventor of the battery, Alessandro Volta, has $1 billion from anonymous Swiss investors and has taken no state funding or incentives.

Alternately brash and self-deprecating, Eikeland did not shy away from discussing his up-and-down past. He founded software company

TeleComputing Inc during the dot-com boom, helped take it public on the Oslo stock exchange, then left in 2002 after the tech bubble burst.
He later invested heavily in and took the helm of Sweden-based auto parts manufacturer, TMG International, which went bankrupt in 2008. Broke, he was forced to sell his lavish homes to pay his taxes, according to media reports that were confirmed by representatives for Alevo.

After TMG, Eikeland spent a few years investing in software and battery technologies, many of which he admits failed.

"I know how hard it is to lose eight of your 10 fingers," he said. "I wish I had somebody else to blame."  8)

EASIER SAID THAN DONE   ::)

Claims of technological breakthroughs from unfamiliar companies are common in the world of green technology. Many startups fizzle out before they achieve mass production. Among the recent high-profile flameouts: battery maker A123 and solar panel maker Solyndra.

"One billion dollars is a colossal amount of capital raised for any clean-tech company," said Raymond James analyst Pavel Molchanov, who said he is not familiar with Alevo. "It doesn't mean it's going to be a smashing success."

Typically in high-tech manufacturing, companies use pilot projects to prove their technology to investors and potential customers before ramping up.

That's not how Eikeland is proceeding.


"Building as big as we did, it might seem a little bit risky," said Eikeland, who described himself as "a controversial guy."  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-051113192052.png&hash=93c42ef9f18fc5d9da50fd91fc19f70009f95f85)

Producing on a mass scale will make Alevo's technology cost- effective from the start, Eikeland said. The high cost of grid storage has prevented it from being deployed more widely.

Eikeland plans to deliver 200 megawatts of batteries - roughly enough to power 100,000 homes - into the U.S. market next year and is in talks with big utilities, which he hopes will become customers.

Alevo's approach stands in stark contrast to the public announcement last month of Tesla Motors Inc's planned $5 billion factory in Nevada, which will make batteries for electric cars. Tesla says its plant will employ 6,500 people by 2020. It will receive more than $1 billion of state incentives.

"Building a $1 billion facility in stealth mode is definitely unusual," said Dan Reicher, executive director of the Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance at Stanford University. Reicher, a former green technology investor, said he was not familiar with Alevo or its technology.

State and county officials in North Carolina confirmed that Alevo has not sought any business incentives.

PACKING A LOT OF POWER

The company has created what it calls GridBanks, which are shipping containers full of thousands of battery cells. Each container can deliver 2 megawatts of power, enough to power up to 1,300 homes for an hour.

The batteries use lithium iron phosphate and graphite as active materials and an inorganic electrolyte - what Eikeland called the company's "secret sauce" - that extends longevity and reduces the risk of burning. They can be charged and discharged over 40,000 times, the company said.

That is about four times as much as rival batteries,   :o   ;D said Sam Wilkinson, who follows energy storage for IHS Technology. Wilkinson, who said he was briefed by Alevo on its plans, said that if the batteries work as promised they will constitute a technological leap.

Grid storage has become critical as more renewables are introduced into the world’s power supply. For instance, batteries can store power generated during windy nights to use during the day when the wind may not be blowing, or can extend solar power into the hours after the sun goes down.

The industry is expected to grow to $19 billion by 2017 from just $200 million in 2012, according to research firm IHS CERA.

Eikeland holds several patents in the United States related to battery technology. The company will compete with established manufacturers like Samsung and France's Saft as well as a handful of privately held startups like Enervault and Primus Power.

(Additional reporting by Gwladys Fouche in Oslo; Editing by Eric Effron and Douglas Royalty)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/27/us-energy-storage-eikeland-idUSKBN0IG29T20141027

Agelbert Comment: Alevo knows EXACTLY what it is doing. Had they been open about the battery breakthrough, the fossil fuel fascists would have brought the bought and paid for Corrupt Court System in to INVENT all sorts of "environmental hazard" reasons to kneecap the factory. Yeah, they will try that now anyway but Alevo has done its HOMEWORK with the state officials that want jobs. The fossil fuelers are NOT going to burn THIS factory down by hook or by crook!  8)  ;D

Alevo, Go Bankrupt the Fossil Fuelers! (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F47b20s0.gif&hash=cc48c9af9d29b8836023c7db21103e52d1ed439e)(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fcowboypistol.gif&hash=2dc97f743dffca22404e6e4e0822765e60b33f38) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.websmileys.com%2Fsm%2Fviolent%2Fsterb029.gif&hash=7a43a0c106eab798f7ba6133dc5cc550647a03d2)

 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.disquscdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fmediaembed%2Fimages%2F1230%2F6680%2Foriginal.jpg&hash=bef2b475b019155b3299763f1d1962e899ec8669)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 13, 2015, 06:56:32 pm
Battery Hackers Are Building the Future in the Garage  ;D

A day trader cannibalized a Tesla to go off the grid. That's the spirit igniting a revolution in solar energy.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)

 Matthew Campbell, Tim Loh and Mark Chediak, Bloomberg 
 March 12, 2015  |  11 Comments

 http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/03/battery-hackers-are-building-the-future-in-the-garage (http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/03/battery-hackers-are-building-the-future-in-the-garage)


A. G. Gelbert   
 March 13, 2015 

Excellent and informative comments. Thank you all.

Thomas M knows the score. But people are not as easily beguiled by the Agnotology that has been par for the corrupt and mendacious course of ethics challenged corporations in general (and dirty energy special interests in particular) for well over a century.

We get it now. And we are spreading the word. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F176.gif&hash=121533221905789c6b8d57a9603883266d349266)

Quote
I attended a seminar at the annual meeting of the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) in San Francisco titled: The Sociopolitical Manufacturing of Scientific Ignorance: Agnotology, organized by Jonathan Coopersmith of Texas A&M University.

The first presentation was a recapitulation of the familiar shenanigans of the tobacco industry plus an account of a creditable science magazine named “Science Fortnightly” that was published for several years apparently motivated entirely to promote Kent Cigarettes. Also I had not heard before that the first Kent filters contained asbestos.

So there were quite a few fronts for the tobacco agnotologists, most notably the George Marshall Institute, very active in downplaying second hand smoke, and a covey of “charitable” foundations providing grants for such fronts.

A useful list of these organizations includes the following:

 The American Enterprise Institute $45,000,000 dispersed 1985-2006

 The Carthage Foundation, $68,000,000 dispersed 1985-2003

 The Cato Institute, operating budget $22,000,000 in 2007

 The Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation disperses $28,000,000 annually; it is one of the . . Koch family foundations along with the Charles G. Koch and the David H. Koch Foundations. . Collectively they have contributed $196,000,000, mostly to think tanks, from 1980 to 2009.

 The Earhart Foundation $95,000,000 in assets (major contributor to George Marshall Institute)

 The George Marshall Institute dispersed $5,500,000 1985- 2001

 The John M. Olin Foundation existed 1953-2005 & dispensrd $370,000,000 to think tanks

 The Linde and Harry Bradley Foundation, $290,000,000 in assets

 The Mercatus Center received $11,874,500 1977-2009 from Koch family foundations

 The Sarah Saife Foundation, $235,000,000 dispersed 1985-2003

 The W. H. Bradley Foundation $13,000,000 in assets

Many have morphed into coveys of expert spin doctors practicing agnotology.

Examples of the sorts of projects funded:

1) A commission to study the accuracy of teaching materials used for teaching "environmental science";

2) Senior scientist program to foster "sound science" in policy debate.

It appears that these projects really exist to rebut an established consensus for the benefit of sponsoring clients.

The AAAS presenters emphasized many names recurring as participants in these organizations. The presenters had such lists—useful in evaluating the motives of any new organization not yet known to be a front for agnotology.


http://frantzmd.info/Miscellaneous%20Writings/Agnotology.htm (http://frantzmd.info/Miscellaneous%20Writings/Agnotology.htm)

What's does Agnotology have to do with suppression of R&D to multiply the efficiency while lowering the cost of batteries and Renewable Energy?

Everything.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 27, 2015, 02:10:17 pm
 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014182902.gif&hash=1dec33f3f6c520ffeac0082b58f46ffa3ed7cedb)No MORE TOXIC FUMES when you run your Renewable Energy Powered  emergency generator! (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e) 

Portable renewable energy start-up launches in Colorado

March 18, 2015
Source: Boulder Power Technologies

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-270315135212.png&hash=6c862130abdc22be8758ee3931f60b6c447015df)
Boulder Power Technologies, a provider of portable renewable power products, today launched as a rising startup in the fast-growing alternative energy market. The company's focus is bringing innovative, Lithium Ion-based technology to organizations looking for clean, quiet and versatile energy to power everything from construction tools and outdoor sound and lighting systems to home appliances.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)  The company's first product, the PowerTap 2000, is available in limited quantities within the local Colorado market.
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boulderpowertech.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F01%2FfolkmaidenEDITABLE-final-cropped-and-resized-e1422481635941.png&hash=032c50704f1e4cadaea09075eb87ca00b7d27990)

"Boulder Power Technologies is committed to developing alternative power solutions that are portable, renewable and 100-percent clean for people and organizations looking for a better energy option than gas-powered generators," said Rod Ruble, Chief Commercial Officer of Boulder Power Technologies. "The pace of innovation in battery-powered solutions continues to increase as reliability and charge duration times continue to improve, and the PowerTap 2000 represents a new option that extends this technology into the Colorado market."

The PowerTap 2000 utilizes cutting-edge Lithium Ion battery technology to deliver portable power where and when needed, with "zero-noise/zero-emissions" and without the fumes and cost of gasoline. Its "one on-switch" makes it easy to use for anyone, and it can be wheeled into place and utilized for just pennies-per-use. It provides up to 6000 watts of power (2000 watts continuously) for applications ranging from construction sites and mobile businesses to events and facility support.

 The unit is easily re-charged through a standard household electrical outlet, and a full charge takes only 90 minutes. It provides up to 12 hours of uninterrupted power for power tools, water sump pumps, lighting and sound systems, sporting equipment and more. Designed and manufactured in the United States, it offers versatile mobile power for both indoor and outdoor uses, and its rugged construction is backed by a five-year warranty.

Boulder Power Technologies is dedicated to designing and manufacturing products that are cleaner, lower-cost and superior to gas-powered products. It is one of the first companies to bring renewable and alternative power sources to the mass-mid-market through advancements in Lithium Ion battery technology. Introduced in 1991, this technology is cleaner, safer and more reliable than any other battery technology, leading to its adoption across both industrial and consumer industries – from mobile phones to electric cars.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F47b20s0.gif&hash=cc48c9af9d29b8836023c7db21103e52d1ed439e)

Boulder Power Technologies plans to expand its local sales efforts to a national footprint sometime in the second quarter of this year. Orders can be placed via its website. (http://www.boulderpowertech.com/)
http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/03/portable-renewable-energy-start-up-launches-in-colorado.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 04, 2015, 09:04:24 pm
Tesla's residential battery system leaked, here's everything we know  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F176.gif&hash=121533221905789c6b8d57a9603883266d349266)
 By Shawn Knight on April 1, 2015, 10:07 PM

Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this week teased a new product line set to debut on April 30. All signs suggest that product will be the home battery system the entrepreneur spoke about during an earnings call earlier this year.

For those needing a bit more convincing, a recent note from Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry should do the trick.

In it, he claims to know two people that are currently testing Tesla’s residential battery system. One of the two testers was willing to provide a wealth of information on the system (behind the shadow of anonymity, of course). Here’s everything we know from the person that spilled the beans.

There are around 230 homes in California currently testing Tesla's stationary battery as well as another 100 or so outside of the Golden State. The source said he had been using the system for about a year and a half now  :o and that it is installed in his garage.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techspot.com%2Fimages2%2Fnews%2Fbigimage%2F2015-04-01-image-18.jpg&hash=841ea89e7d9b41dc8bae02ddb9e3b8a0f0343ac9)

As for installation, the battery must be installed at least 1.5 feet above the ground and needs to have at least one foot of open space on all sides. The battery doesn’t make any sound, doesn’t require any maintenance and doesn’t leak (good to know).

The unit itself measures about three feet tall and is around 2.5 feet wide. Aesthetically, it “looks good,” the source said.
  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e) 

During installation, he was offered a 10WKH and 15WKH option; he chose the smaller of the two. There’s also an inverter, we’re told.

While final pricing likely hasn’t been decided yet, the customer in question selected a plan in which he paid $1,500 up front and $15 per month over a period of 10 years. After that, the installer will take the system back. Chowdhry suggests the battery could be priced at $13,000 with a 50 percent rebate from PG&E Corporation.

Chowdhry said his source told him the system can be controlled from his iPhone as well as via a web application. His unit is set up to charge from solar panels and once the battery is full, excess energy can be sold back to the grid for a rebate on his electric bill.

Additionally, the user charges the batteries at night when electricity sells for just $0.11 then sells it back to the grid at 3:00 p.m. for $0.43. By doing this, the source said he makes about $10 to $12 per month.  ;D The unit can optionally be charged using a generator, useful during extended power outages due to storms, etc.

Unfortunately, the source didn’t provide any information as to exactly how he uses the battery system outside of selling energy back to the grid.

http://www.techspot.com/news/60240-tesla-residential-battery-system-leaked-here-everything-know.html

Renewable energy= (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014181553.gif&hash=c09667beb656b25086c168adcdaddcba59abf858)                                (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-scared002.gif&hash=764898cfbf07ef2c41ffddc5e93fa0e1bed41bae)=Fossil Fuelers
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-forum%2Fpopcorn.gif&hash=f4c8fc573041a73e34bfb823e0611fbfe8617d67)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 16, 2015, 09:41:50 pm

Cost of Batteries for Electric Vehicles Falling More Rapidly than Projected

 
Posted April 13, 2015

Keywords: Sustainability, batteries, electric vehicles (evs), Full Spectrum, lithium ion

 Full Spectrum: Energy Analysis and Commentary with Jesse Jenkins

Summary: The cost of battery packs for electric vehicles has fallen more rapidly than projected, with market leading firms in 2014 producing batteries at ~$300 per kilowatt-hour of storage capacity, on par with market projections for 2020.

Electric vehicle (EV) battery costs have fallen more rapidly than many projections, according to a new survey of battery costs published in Nature Climate Change. Researchers from the Stockholm Environment Institute scoured peer-reviewed journals, consultancy reports, and news items to construct an original data set of EV battery pack cost estimates from 2007 to 2014.

Average battery pack costs have fallen 14 percent per year across the industry
, which has seen sales volumes double annually in recent years. EV battery packs now cost $410 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of storage capacity on average (with a 95 percent confidence interval ranging from $250–670 per kWh).

The cost of batteries produced by market leading firms, such as Renault-Nissan and Tesla Motors, however, have fallen further (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca) , to an average of $300 per kWh, according to the study.

These estimates are on the order of two to four times lower than many recent peer-reviewed papers have suggested and already equal to the average cost projected for 2020 in a variety of papers. Costs for market leaders have declined at an average of 8 percent per year, the study estimates.

At $300 per kWh, electric vehicles can begin to compete economically with traditional petroleum-fueled internal combustion engines when gasoline costs $3-5 per gallon (€0.73-1.22 per liter), according to separate analyses from global consulting firm McKinsey and the International Energy Agency. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has set a target of $150 per kWh for battery electric vehicles to become broadly competitive and see widespread market adoption.

In the near-term, the researchers believe economies of scale, improvements in cell manufacturing and learning-by-doing in pack integration, rather than advancements in cell chemistry or other R&D breakthroughs, will help manufacturers continue to produce cheaper batteries.

EV battery sales volumes are current doubling annually and car manufacturers are partnering with battery makers to invest in larger production facilities and cut costs. Renault-Nissan is working with LG to produce enough batteries for 1.5 million electric vehicles per year by 2016 while Tesla Motors and Panasonic are building a “Gigafactory” in Nevada that will produce 500,000 packs for EVs along with additional batteries for stationary energy storage, for a total of 50 million kWh per year of battery production. Tesla and Panasonic are targeting a further 30 percent decline in battery pack costs by 2017, which would require a 7 percent annual decline in costs, consistent with a continuation of recent rates for market leading firms.

The study’s authors conclude that economies of scale are likely to drive down battery costs to $200 per kWh in the near future. Further cell chemistry improvements may be necessary to hit the $150 per kWh target envisioned by the U.S. DOE. At those prices, electric vehicles may soon break out of niche markets and achieve much wider-scale adoption. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e) 

Publication: Rapidly falling costs of battery packs for electric vehicles,” Nature Climate Change, Vol. 5 (April, 2015): 329–332.

Björn Nykvist is a Research Fellow and Måns Nilsson is Deputy Director and Research Director at the Stockholm Environment Institute.

http://theenergycollective.com/jessejenkins/2215181/cost-batteries-electric-vehicles-falling-more-rapidly-projected
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 01, 2015, 06:05:31 pm
  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014182902.gif&hash=1dec33f3f6c520ffeac0082b58f46ffa3ed7cedb)  Tesla Unveils Batteries for Homes, Businesses, Utilities  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fza4.gif&hash=2db0a6001703f4089cb64dc38159bb3d467e1bff) 

 Dana Hull, Mark Chediak and Louise Downing, Bloomberg 
 May 01, 2015 

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tesla Motors Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk unveiled a suite of batteries to store electricity for homes, businesses and utilities, saying a greener power grid furthers the company’s mission to provide pollution-free energy.
Quote

“Our goal here is to fundamentally change the way the world uses energy,”   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F47b20s0.gif&hash=cc48c9af9d29b8836023c7db21103e52d1ed439e)
Musk said at an event Thursday at the company’s design studio in Hawthorne, California.
Quote
“We’re talking at the terawatt scale. The goal is complete transformation of the entire energy infrastructure of the world.”
The announcement, after weeks of anticipation, marks Tesla’s expansion beyond electric cars. As homes, businesses and utilities use more renewable energy generated by sunshine and wind, the need to provide reliable power grows. Batteries can be used to store electricity during peak production and dispense it later, when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. The company’s shares rose 2.6 percent to $232 at 7:11 a.m. New York time before regular trading.

Tesla’s home battery, named “Powerwall,” is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that mounts on the wall and comes in 7 kilowatt-hour or 10 kilowatt-hour versions, the company said in a statement. Deliveries will begin in late summer at prices starting from $3,000, Tesla said.

The battery is designed to enable so-called “load-shifting” by charging during times when electricity prices are lower due to less demand, and discharging when demand and prices are high. It can also store solar power generated during daytime and release it at night, and serve as backup during outages, according to Tesla. The average American home consumes about 30 kilowatt-hours of energy a day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Musk said the home batteries will come in different colors and look like “a beautiful sculpture on the wall.”
   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F8.gif&hash=c1d98e606d7f558df4040f88e7997b3e11e9448c)

Utility Industry


In the utility industry, storage is finally coming of age. In Tesla’s home state of California, a groundbreaking energy storage mandate requires PG&E Corp., Edison International’s Southern California Edison and Sempra Energy’s San Diego Gas & Electric to collectively buy 1.3 gigawatts of energy storage capacity by the end of 2020. New York is also turning to storage to relieve congestion on transmission lines and plans for the potential retirement of aging power plants.

The power industry has struggled to come up with a cost- effective storage solution, an issue that has become more pressing as growing amounts of solar and wind are integrated into the grid.

“Energy storage can be a really large ecosystem,”
Chris Shelton, vice president at AES Corp., an Arlington, Virginia- based power producer and utility owner, said in an interview after Musk’s announcement. “It helps to have another voice, and a prominent voice, making the case.”

More ‘Gigafactories’

Quote

Tesla’s utility-scale battery will consist of 100 kilowatt-hour blocks that can be grouped to a scale of 500 kilowatt-hours to more than 10 megawatt-hours.

Palo Alto, California-based Tesla is making a bet that its $5 billion “gigafactory” under construction near Reno, Nevada, will enable the mass production needed to drive down battery costs for both cars and energy-storage products that are already serving as a revenue stream for the company. More such factories will be needed to help make the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, Musk said.

Tesla, whose batteries are already supplying large customers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Cargill Inc., and Jackson Family Wines, has formed partnerships with companies including Green Mountain Power (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)  to sell its home batteries, it said. The company is also teaming up with Southern California Edison to install batteries for utilities, while Amazon.com Inc. and Target Corp. will pilot use of Tesla’s batteries for businesses.


SolarCity Customers First in Line


Elon Musk will make the device available to SolarCity Inc. customers seeking backup supply when the grid goes down.


Quote
The battery “replaces noisy, dirty fossil-fuel generators with zero-emission storage technology,”
SolarCity said Thursday in a statement. SolarCity began taking orders for the Tesla batteries on Friday and expects to begin installing them in October.

Copyright 2015 Bloomberg

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/05/tesla-unveils-batteries-for-homes-businesses-utilities


Agelbert NOTE:
The final NAIL in the COFFIN of the BALONEY that fossil fuels are more "reliable" than Renewable Energy is HERE.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Ftuzki-bunnys%2Ftuzki-bunny-emoticon-022.gif&hash=3b60da70b71b7109fe66036056cb1dedc1affb43)  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-object-098.gif&hash=ab04cec34d8ac6be10d5db27dc7987012b3a69c4)   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad)



Renewable energy= (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014181553.gif&hash=c09667beb656b25086c168adcdaddcba59abf858)                                (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-scared002.gif&hash=764898cfbf07ef2c41ffddc5e93fa0e1bed41bae)=Fossil Fuelers
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-forum%2Fpopcorn.gif&hash=f4c8fc573041a73e34bfb823e0611fbfe8617d67)


Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 02, 2015, 08:41:45 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl10.glitter-graphics.net%2Fpub%2F2491%2F2491210ovie015m90.gif&hash=c2edc7e32994c57779427e0df75cabac786a12bf)

GMP to sell new Tesla home storage batteries

John Herrick May. 1 2015, 6:47 pm 6 Comments

Tesla’s Powerwall. Courtesy of Tesla (at link).


Vermont’s largest electric utility announced Friday it is partnering with Tesla Motors Inc. to sell batteries that store solar electricity for residential use.

Green Mountain Power will begin offering Tesla’s Powerwall home battery units to customers this fall in Rutland. The batteries store excess power coming from the grid or net-metered renewable energy generation projects to then be used during an outage or when wind and solar energy is not available. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)

The batteries can also be recharged at night when Vermont’s utilities pay less for power, and supply power when prices are high during peak demand, a process known as “load shifting.” GMP says it will encourage customers draw electricity from the batteries during peak demand to reduce transmission and capacity costs, which are passed onto customers. The batteries can also be use to power homes during outages.

“This is a great example of how Vermont is leading the way with real-world solutions to a more sustainable future,” GMP President and CEO Mary Powell said. “We want to create a new definition of resiliency, where we move away from the 100-year-old grid system to a new electric system where energy is generated and used closer to home.” (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e) 

The Powerwall is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted on a wall to harness excess electricity. Tesla sells a 10 killowatt-hour for version $3,500 or a 7 kWh version for $3,000. The batteries are warrantied to last 10 years. Tesla says it will recycle the batteries.

The 7 kWh unit can power essential services in a home such as the lights, furnace and refrigerator for about six hours during an outages, according to Kristin Carlson, a GMP spokeswoman.

She said 80 percent to 90 percent of the utility’s outages last two hours or less.

GMP will receive its first Powerwalls in October. It will distribute 400 to customers in Rutland and later statewide. GMP will offer product incentives combined with on-bill financing, the company says.

Carlson said the company aims to charge customers between $3,500 to $4,500 for the battery, an AC-DC inverter and installation. She said the company can subsidize the batteries because they could reduce peak power costs to the utility.

After the 10-year life of the battery, Tesla will pick up the battery from the customer and recycle it, Carlson said.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e) 

Tesla announced its home storage system Thursday in California.
http://vtdigger.org/2015/05/01/gmp-to-sell-new-tesla-home-storage-batteries/#comment-229026
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 03, 2015, 07:21:40 pm
Of course the recycling promise completely depends on the continuation of Tesla Motors as a going concern, and there is exactly one company in the US (maybe in the world, not sure) that recycles LI-Ion batteries. (Toxco)

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/can-electric-car-batteries-be-recycled.htm (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/can-electric-car-batteries-be-recycled.htm)

I hope they do keep going, as someone who is on his second car with batteries (first with LI-Ion since the Prius has NiMH's) but I'm not counting on it. Ten years is a long promise. I still think Edison cells make better sense for home power. The power utilities should subsidize those.

When lithium-ion batteries reach a recycling plant, there are two ways to pulverize them. If they are completely without a charge, they're simply shredded so that the metal components, like copper and steel, can be easily sorted out. If the batteries could still possibly have a charge, though, they're frozen in liquid nitrogen and smashed to frozen bits (cool!). The liquid nitrogen is so cold, the batteries can't react, so the smashing is safe. And probably fun. Then the metals are separated out for reuse.

Eddie,
I think you are right in regard to PUBLIC ACCESS battery technology. But the importance of this move by Tesla goes far beyond the limits of battery technology BECAUSE it is a paradigm shift in thinking about energy that the "dirty energy is the only reliable energy" people DO NOT WANT us to think about.

The assumption most people HERE started out with when I began posting about renewable energy 3 years ago was that NO WAY, JOSE for renewable energy's "drop in the bucket".

Look how things have changed in just 3 YEARS. It's over for dirty energy, Eddie. THAT is the subtext. THAT s what I am celebrating. THAT is what relegates all the "math doers" claiming this, that and the other about the "viability" of fossil fuels SQUARELY to the fringe whacko group that THEY had previously brainwashed MOST PEOPLE HERE into believing was applicable to the Renewable Energy crowd.  :icon_mrgreen:

The unleashing in the next ten years of just a tiny portion of all the suppressed (by the fossil fuel government for nearly a century) renewable energy technologies, of which battery technology is a small segment, is now happening.

The Renewable Energy Revolution will not be stopped this time, UNLESS we have a global thermonuclear war. So, yeah, the fossil fuelers have a genuine MOTIVE for wanting ALL OUT WAR. Never mind that it will hasten our extinction. Those people have been nuts from the start. I have yet to convince most people here of that, as well. But nevertheless, people are starting to connect the war loving, suicidal psychopath "dots" to the fossil fuel government/lobby MO. I hope it's not to late to stop those crazies.

The "DIRTY ENERGY IS THE ONLY RELIABLE ENERGY" folks will soon be singing "I'm on the outside looking in." (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runemasterstudios.com%2Fgraemlins%2Fimages%2F2thumbs.gif&hash=98130be1edf2bed4a80ac8f134b0126673bd469e)        (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191456.bmp&hash=a239c2fd76d20d142f1c54b961e22ebd0d2a4808)

There are ALL SORTS OF NOVEL ideas popping up out there!       (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191456.bmp&hash=a239c2fd76d20d142f1c54b961e22ebd0d2a4808)
 Consider your place in Texas. Consider that you DO HAVE the solar power and money to buy umpteen panels that YOU KNOW will last 25 years PLUS with almost ZERO maintenance.  :emthup:

Suppose you just use the bulk of them to pump water into a huge tank. THAT TANK IS A BATTERY! That battery has INFINITE "charge" cycles, Eddie. That BATTERY NEVER NEEDS TO BE "recycled"!

And how do you get juice from that "battery" at EXACTLY the right voltage and amperage?  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fbc3.gif&hash=e80a574cef1f1cd31dc58d76fe36b5ffb7fe7d5b)

A WATER POWERED GENERATOR!  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coh2.org%2Fimages%2FSmileys%2Fhuhsign.gif&hash=3732d0427be65896527fc3805c5be54a33cffd3b)

Here's a tiny one. It's very quiet and certainly won't power most of your needs but it is a NO BRAINER that this technology is SIMPLE and is EASILY scaled up to get your 15KW or so household demand 24/7 come hell AND high water. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)

And I don't need to tell YOU, in dry Texas, what ELSE you could do with access to a LOT of stored water, do I?   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-291014182422.png&hash=f5178cb31c0bf9067fb3cf408d7047840a10e3f4) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-051113192052.png&hash=93c42ef9f18fc5d9da50fd91fc19f70009f95f85)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEqSuTOKUEg&feature=player_embedded
http://revolution-green.com/water-powered-generator/ (http://revolution-green.com/water-powered-generator/)

And, by the way, if large water towers are not your cup of tea, a GIANT water tank can be placed IN THE GROUND (out of sight and out of sabotage access by vandals ;D) with a gravity powered weight pushing DOWN on the water to give you water pressure for your generator. This is a build and forget thing with zero maintenance, for all practical purposes.

Many systems, up to the gigawatt generating level of underground giant cylindrical weights in multiple cylindrical tanks have been proposed. NO ADDED WATER is necessary after initial fill up. You just raise the weight when you have excess solar power, PERIOD. Of course, the fluid does not have to be water, but I think water is the best to protect the environment in the case of minor leaks.

Think BIG, Eddie. It ain't over yet!
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 04, 2015, 12:58:33 pm
SunEdison Recruits Imergy Flow Batteries for Microgrid Rural Electrification Initiative

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After a pledge to power more than 20 million people in rural India, SunEdison has partnered with Imergy to install hundreds of solar-powered minigrid systems.

 Meg Cichon, Associate Editor, RenewableEnergyWorld.com 
 March 25, 2015  |  8 Comments 

Massachusetts, USA -- Earlier this year, SunEdison announced a goal to bring power to 20 million people in rural India by 2020. To forward this mission, it announced today that it will use more than 1,000 flow batteries from Imergy Power Systems for its solar-powered minigrid projects.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn5.triplepundit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F12%2Fimergy-esp30-300x224.jpg&hash=9bc64272bce53f5ece5900ce4688121538185846)

The solar-powered minigrids are anchored to telecom towers near remote villages with batteries typically ranging from 30 to 120 kWh. The system provides 24/7 power for the tower, while also powering surrounding villages. Instead of purchasing expensive kerosense or simply living in darkness, villagers are able to charge their devices or wire lighting to the village itself. According to Imergy CEO Bill Watkins, about 5,000 villages fit this telecom model.

Imergy is no stranger to off-grid applications. It’s storage technology has already been installed in both India and several parts of Africa. While in the U.S., the Navy is currently testing its applications in a smart microgrid project.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcleantechnica.com%2Ffiles%2F2014%2F11%2FImergy-Vanadium-Flow-Battery-for-US-Navy.png&hash=a37e9661cb344479a9ac54119f8fb39c1d6e574e)

Its technology uses recycled vanadium from environmental waste, which is stored in tanks and circulated during charge and discharge cycles.  Since the chemicals are stored in separate tanks, the system can be scaled up or down fairly easily. And while flow batteries have a shorter response time than other battery technologies, they are ideal for off-grid applications, according to Tim Hennessy, Imergy President and COO.

“We can scale energy. If you’re looking to store it for 24 hours, you can’t do it with other batteries or costs would become exorbitant,” said Hennessey. “There is no software to manage, a deep charge lasts all day long, and it can withstand harsh environments.”

Back in December 2013, Imergy told REW that its costs were on track to reach $300/kWh by 2015. Hennessey said that they are still on track for that number to become a reality, but emphasized that the industry needs to look at the levelized cost of energy to understand true costs.

“Everyone talks about costs, but the fact is that [vanadium flow batteries] will last 20 years on energy storage cycle, and vanadium itself never wears out. While lithium-ion batteries may be ‘cheaper,’ they have a much shorter lifespan and are less scalable,” said Hennessey. “We are actually cheaper than other technologies over the lifetime of a battery.”

But while everyone is interested in the technology and economics, Watkins and Hennessey want to emphasize the importance of these rural electrification projects.

Hennessey explained what he called the “battle of the last mile.” When industry cannot justify extending transmission an additional five miles, many villages are left in the dark. However, when the villages get off-grid power, businesses start to crop up and demand increases, which then eventually justifies transmission investment. But since India’s transmission system is so unreliable, these villages are now relying on renewable energy systems, which are creating huge economical growth.

“The big picture here is the fact that so many people in this world don't have electricity. When we enter these villages, it gets very emotional — most of them has never seen electricity in their lives,” Imergy's CEO Bill Watkins. “Yes, of course we want to make money for investors, but this is a big deal…This is a way to reach these people and have them be a part of the world — we can’t even fathom the impact.”

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/03/sunedison-recruits-imergy-flow-batteries-for-microgrid-rural-electrification-initiative
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 04, 2015, 06:27:45 pm
Tesla Energy: Will the Markets for Solar and Storage Include Everyone in Need? (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Ftuzki-bunnys%2Ftuzki-bunny-emoticon-026.gif&hash=cea0c85d87fadfcde1f4ffdeb123185070f6de75)

 Lewis Milford 
 May 04, 2015  |  2 Comments 

Elon Musk’s Tesla Energy announcement to sell an affordable, reliable battery system for solar energy storage in homes and businesses is more important than all the hyped press even suggests. But as extraordinary as the news is about how this technology will impact our energy future, it leaves out some important issues still to be sorted out.

At the top of the list is how these technology advances will benefit people other than high-income homeowners and businesses who are likely to be the first adopters of the product — how to make these technologies available to the low- and middle-income people who also need resilient power.

The news of Tesla opening up a new energy battery division, called Tesla Energy, has captured the headlines and the imagination. In a presentation reminiscent of Steve Jobs before an adoring crowd, Musk gave an entertaining and direct talk about the need for solar and battery storage to replace fossil fuels and address climate change and to capture and store electric power that can make homes and businesses more resilient and independent from the power grid. It was an impressive show.

The product specifications are even more impressive. For a cutting-edge and innovative product, the cost is low for a home system, $3,500, with an inverter and installation adding to that cost. That system will allow a home or business to island, to go grid independent in case of a power outage. It will also enable customers to reduce electric bills, especially very high demand charges that can represent more than half of typical commercial electric bill.

The announcement is part of a wave of good news about how solar plus battery systems can reinvent the power system, reduce pollution, and realign the relationship between electric utilities and their customers.

But what is missing from this news is how new battery storage technology can improve public safety — in virtually all buildings that protect the public like fire and police stations, schools and hospitals; and how this technology can benefit the people who need access to low-cost and resilient power the most — the underprivileged and largely forgotten poor, many who already suffer high electric bills in places like affordable housing and assisted living facilities. We need to ensure that the larger public and the most vulnerable can get these technology benefits along with high-end homeowners and businesses.

Social equity is often a challenge during these new technology transitions — the need to ensure that the arc of these new and cleaner solar+storage technology markets benefits the general public rather than only private commercial customers and the affluent.

We need to direct these technologies to benefit all sectors of society — not as an afterthought, but from the outset, as a matter of foundational market and policy design. That has not been the case with clean energy markets — the poor have usually been left behind the technology curve.

As these energy storage technologies become available, we need to make sure they are deployed to provide resilient power to communities, to make sure that emergency services and public infrastructure can benefit from reliable and affordable solar plus storage technologies. Hospitals, schools, water treatment plants, fire stations, elderly housing complexes, airports, communications and transportation systems could all benefit from these technologies. They all need reliable and affordable electric power; they all need to function when the grid goes down.

The good news is that Tesla seems driven to serve both private enterprise and public benefits. Musk is a brilliant energy innovator with a desire to solve large societal problems like climate change. He is keeping his technology patents open. That is to be commended.

What is also needed now is a commitment to ensure that new energy storage markets also include the public sector — to extend these economic and environmental benefits to the people most in need now, and not have these benefits trickle down years later, after the technologies have become mainstream.

The conversation about how to make that happen is an important one that companies like Tesla need to have.


2 Comments

ANONYMOUS 
May 4, 2015 

Where has your voice for "social equity" been for the past decade or so while the costs of fossil-fuel energy doubled for everyone, placing the greatest burden on the people most in need? Solar and wind power - and technology to store solar and wind energy - promise strong elements of price stability and predictability for everyone, including the economically disadvantaged. Fossil fuel energy and its inherent price volatility, unpredictability and massive subsidies are far more serious problems for the poor than anything that could be envisioned for modern clean energy technology.


 

 A. G. Gelbert   
 May 4, 2015 



Of course Renewable Energy should be made available to everyone. This is where the insidious nature of town ordinances comes in. NOBODY seems to want to ADMIT that the infrastructure, at present, is tailored to promote the use of fossil fuels in homes and businesses and make it rather challenging, to put it mildly, to install Renewable Energy.

No town ordinance will stop you from doubling the size of your fossil fuel burning furnace or installing a giant electricity hog called a central air conditioning system.

Yet, just try to dig up the land to install a geothermal loop or stick a large PV panel array on your lawn (because you want easy access to it). How about the distance from the road that you are required, by ordinance, to put up a tower for a wind turbine? Be prepared to jump through several hoops, including peculiar ideas of what is aesthetically acceptable and what is not.

People say this is just common sense. NO IT ISN'T. It's a deliberate defense of an unsustainable energy status quo, period. Hello, Colchester, Vermont. Are you listening? I am certain that there will be some bureaucratic baloney thrown at the Tesla Wall Battery, regardless of the fact that it is unobtrusive. The old "licensed electrician must provide an annual inspection of LARGE battery systems (see the Tesla battery stats LOL!)" trick to generate local jobs for friends of town counselors comes to mind.

All Renewable Energy installations should be protected from town ordinances by Federal Law. But, of course, our bought and paid for "democracy" hasn't gotten around to that, for some reason...

Change is coming IN SPITE OF irrational and environmentally suicidal town ordinances. The fossil fuel government at every level will not let go of its gravy train easily. But it will, eventually, be forced to.

But for now, the poor are basically OUT of the Renewable Energy loop BY profit over planet, predatory capitalist DESIGN.

100% of the people could have 100% Renewable Energy if the Federal Reserve provided loans for Renewable Energy Systems at the same low interest rate set for home mortgages. It's really stupid that they don't. The massive number of jobs generated from this giant transition would boost GDP. But some rich pigs would lose profits. So it is not done. So it goes..

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2015/05/tesla-energywill-the-markets-for-solar-and-storage-include-everyone-in-need
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 06, 2015, 03:10:42 pm
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Ancient Greek Energy Storage Technology Challenges Tesla's Batteries

 Jeremy van Loon, Bloomberg 
 May 06, 2015

CALGARY -- A technology used in ancient Greece to power clocks and fire a cannon is undergoing a revival as the world searches for better ways to store energy from wind turbines and solar panels.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldchanging.com%2FEarthlyIdeas-CompressedAir.jpg&hash=2fba0e73ffd04d687d9fe264b4b0ca7b08b7de66)

Compressed air, already used to power carnival rides, jackhammers and medical equipment, joins the crowded field of innovations chasing what may be a $21.5 billion market in 2024.

(https://thegirlbehindthewheel.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/citroen_hybrid_air_technology_takes_centre_stage_at_geneva_citroen_39716.jpg)
Compressed air auto Citroen drive train

Contenders include Elon Musk, chairman of Tesla Motors Inc., who this month unveiled a suite of batteries to store electricity for homes, businesses and utilities.

While Tesla plans to begin delivering its rechargeable lithium-ion model in late summer, compressed air storage systems, or CAES, may have an edge.
The technology can be used to store large amounts of power for weeks at less than the cost of batteries.

“You need bulk storage to support all the renewables and CAES is pretty much the only technology to do that,” said Jim Heid, vice president at Dresser-Rand Group Inc., a supplier of compressed air products. “It’s a worldwide phenomenon because of all the intermittent renewables coming online.”

Quote

The mechanics are simple. Start with electricity from wind turbines and solar panels to run compressors that fill man-made caverns also used for natural gas storage. When the pressurized air is released, it drives turbines that provide clean power when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.climatetechwiki.org%2Fsites%2Fclimatetechwiki.org%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2Fextra%2Fcaes_power_plant_from_sciam.jpg&hash=a8cc37e79f21d7f8d0a81da2a7e99da4197ea674)
In less than a decade, annual investment in compressed air will be almost $5 billion, according to Navigant Research. That will support more than 11 gigawatts of installed capacity and help renewable power developers match demand with supply.

Competition is stiff. Along with batteries, developers are using everything from vats of molten salt to rooftop tanks filled with ice to store energy, a market Navigant sees expanding about 35-fold by 2024 from $605.8 million this year.

Improvements Needed


Even supporters acknowledge that air storage needs to improve. The systems currently return only about 60 percent of the power used to fill caverns, according to Dresser-Rand.

“When you put in one unit of energy, you want to get one unit out,” said Sam Shelton, senior fellow at the Strategic Energy Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “Air is not very dense so compression storage is low efficiency. It’s all economics.”

Advancements in technology will boost efficiency and eliminate the need to heat the pressurized air with natural gas, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Developers are improving above-ground vessels for smaller-scale applications.

“Overall it’s a market that has a couple of niches,” said Brian Warshay, an analyst with Bloomberg New Energy Finance in New York. “A lot depends on the location and the proximity to demand.”

Two years ago, California regulators asked the state’s three biggest utilities to add 1.33 gigawatts of energy-storage capacity by 2020 -- about 20 percent more than currently exists in the world, excluding pumped hydropower systems.

Rooftop Ice


Spain’s Abengoa SA is developing a solar-thermal project in California that will incorporate power storage. Ice Energy Holdings Inc., a Santa Barbara, California-based company, is pioneering a storage method using rooftop ice to provide cooling during the day.

The Greek inventor Ctesibius wrote studies on the science of compressed air in the third century BC. The technology was used in an alarm clock, a cannon that shot arrows and to open the gates at the Temple of Alexandria.


Thanks to its scale, compressed air storage today offers a solution to a challenge facing grid operators -- how to store wind power at night when demand for electricity slumps, and solar power for cloudy days.

Compressed air can store hundreds of megawatt hours of electricity for weeks at a time. Batteries are useful for smaller volumes for shorter periods, said Rocco Vita, director of emerging technology at pipeline company Enbridge Inc., which operates solar and wind farms across North America.
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Texas Wind


Chamisa Energy, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is seeking to raise about $400 million to build a compressed air project in the Texas Panhandle that can store wind energy at night and release it when turbines are still.

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“We’re surrounded by some of the best wind in the U.S. and the wind often blows in the off-peak,” said Alissa Oppenheimer, managing director at Chamisa. “There are numerous times of the day when the price of wind is negative.”

Investors, who may not understand the advantages of the technology or are concerned that air storage systems are inefficient, have been slow to commit, Oppenheimer said.

Dresser-Rand built one of the world’s two commercial compressed air systems in Alabama in 1991 and is currently working on other projects in Texas, said Heid. In Alabama, Power South Energy Cooperative’s 110-megawatt system stores enough energy from nearby power plants to power 110,000 homes. The world’s first commercial application of the technology was in Germany in 1978 with a 290-megawatt plant.

Surplus Energy


In Canada, Ontario’s grid operator wants to add 16 megawatts of storage, including CAES, to cope with a supply surge from wind turbines and solar panels.  ;DNRStor Inc., which is bidding for the contract, expects the efficiency and cost of air storage to improve.

Were Ontario to add 1,000 megawatts of compressed air storage, consumers would save C$8 billion ($6.6 billion) over 20 years, said NRStor Chief Executive Officer Annette Verschuren. With the system she’s proposing, stored air could turn turbines for as long as 300 hours.

“Ontario has really built up a lot of renewable energy and is building up a lot more surplus energy,” Verschuren said. “We would capture the night stuff, capture the weekend stuff and put the energy on the grid during daytime.”

NRStor sees the price of compressed air systems falling fall to one-tenth that of the expected $350 a kilowatt hour cost of battery storage in 2022, said Verschuren. She declined to say how much the Ontario project will cost.

Copyright 2015 Bloomberg

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/05/ancient-greek-energy-storage-technology-challenges-teslas-batteries
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 06, 2015, 10:36:57 pm
Is Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Scalable? Scalability is actually what makes CAES cost effective. IOW, YES!

Compressed Air Energy Storage
Trishna Das
James D. McCalley
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
2012

Agebert NOTE: VERY brief summary of this educational chapter. I did not crunch any numbers. The math is above my skill set.  :(  But I can read graphs and English quite well.  ;D

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SITES FOR CAES

CAES storage reservoirs for underground storage can be classified into three categories: salt, hard rock, and porous rock. These geologies are found to account for a significant fraction of United States (Fig. 2). Previous studies indicate that over 75% of the U.S. has geologic conditions that are potentially favorable for underground air storage [18]. Fig. 3 (at link) shows different storage mediums throughout US.

DRAWBACKS OF CAES

Currently the major drawback for CAES is its dependability on fuel source for the power generation. Natural gas prices contribute to the economics of CAES. Like any energy conversion system CAES also has its share of losses, thus working with an efficiency percentage around 60 % to 70 %. Some of these backlogs in CAES technology are currently overcome by enhanced CAES configurations and concepts. These advancements are given in a later section.

EFFECT OF CAES SIZING ON ECONOMICS AND PERFORMANCE

The CAES model developed is able to capture the influence of storage reservoir dynamics on performance measures such as demand met and input spillage percentage. From Fig.12, it is seen that irrespective of turbine and compressor sizing, a good enough reservoir volume is required to ensure effective addressing of wind variability issues by CAES for this particular wind farm.

EFFECT OF PRESSURE LIMITS ON ECONOMICS AND PERFORMANCE

We can notice that as the maximum pressure limit increases, the revenue per year and the operational performance measures too increase. So it corroborates the model‘s ability to account for internal storage dynamics and their direct influence on CAES operational and economic outcome.

Since the model has the ability to simulate CAES operation for longer periods of time within reasonable simulation time while also capturing finer second-second or few minutes variations, it could enable performing very finer sub-hourly, say 5-mins, unit commitment studies. Therefore the model can lend itself well in long term production costing studies to evaluate generation planning strategies.

ECONOMICS AND GRID BENEFITS EVALUATION USING PRODUCTION COSTING

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060515221308.png&hash=4b2d9d983e81ea1315d9b044d9a88a9e103b723d)

CASE STUDY

In IEEE 24-bus Reliability Test System (RTS) wind and CAES were integrated and production costing studies were conducted. The production costing study is an hourly simulation for 48 hours (2 days). The data for load and wind generation is taken from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for Nov 2nd and 3rd in the year 2010. This data was chosen as it covered good variation in wind pattern. The program was developed using MATLAB with TOMLAB optimization platform.

RESULTS: CAES OPERATION ANALYSIS


The production costing study was done with 25% wind capacity penetration with wind farms at bus 17, 21, and 22, and a CAES at bus 21. The turbine rating is 50 MW, compressor is 50 MW and the storage reservoir is 200 MWh.The system contains various mix of generation facilities such as 7 coal generation plants, 2 nuclear generations, 3 natural gas generations, 2 oil fired plants with variable ramping rates, with CAES being the fastest ramping unit. The total system generation without wind generation and CAES unit is 3400MW.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060515221236.png&hash=8a80381d1c5e80ecc68384e5c3fc977d6ca6df11)

We can observe from Fig. 12 that during high wind spell of the first day the compressor reduces the wind spillage by charging the CAES reservoir, and thereby contributing to down-regulation and earning revenue from the ancillary service market. CAES also participates actively in providing spinning reserves and up regulation, as seen from the plot for turbine.

From the above figures (in addition to figure 12 there are others at the link) it confirms that with increase in wind penetration CAES gains greater benefits from the grid operations.

On the other hand, it is important to quantify how the grid benefits by the installation of CAES unit.


Some of the metrics to quantify the grid benefits are

system production cost,

wind spillage percentage,

quality of regulation,

emissions,

transmission congestion relief,

system stability improvement and so on.


CAES sizing is a key issue that influences the grid benefits as observed from Fig. 15 (at link). In Fig. 15 as the CAES sizing is increased the wind spillage is reduced. At 10% wind capacity penetration it is observed that the grid without CAES had 4% of wind spillage and with increased CAES size the spillage was reduced to nearly 0.5%. The blue curve in Fig. 15 shows wind energy penetration for corresponding wind capacity penetration in the system. It would be interesting to investigate the correlation between the CAES sizing, and wind energy penetration. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_0293.gif&hash=b1af4868ed8f18c30e637f8cbcb79002f6f71039)

CONCLUSIONS

In this chapter, a state space model for compressed air storage technology was developed, which monitors the storage dynamics at any instant of time in terms of the reservoir pressure and mass of compressed air stored.

The model was validated using the operational curves from Huntorf CAES. The CAES model developed is simulated as a collocated facility to address the wind variability issue of a particular wind farm. The model facilitates capturing storage dynamics‘ influence on CAES‘s operational performance and economic indices. Eventually some standard CAES configurations consisting of variations in turbine, compressor and reservoir ratings are simulated and a wide range of performance indices are computed for assessing the worth of each configuration for that particular geography.

From the results we understand that such a venture would require huge investments with very long payback periods. Thus CAES acting as an auxiliary support for individual wind farms may not be as wise as investing in a system level CAES with higher capacity.

Economic assessment of the storage benefits was studied with the CAES model developed and incorporated into the production costing program. The assessment platform with the unit commitment and economic dispatch program modules dispatched the CAES unit under increasing wind penetration levels.

From the results we  observe that CAES plays a vital role in the ancillary and reserve markets with increasing wind penetration, thereby benefitting grid as well as earning revenue to cover its huge investment costs.

The profits earned by the CAES indicate that this venture would be lucrative with the changing grid scenarios involving increasing integration of variable generations. The study points to an interesting direction that the CAES compressor providing down regulation service is especially effective in absorbing the high wind spells, and thus reducing wind spillage and providing economic and quick ramping regulation service to the grid.

Storage‘s participation in ancillary services is attractive because the new generation portfolio not only requires more regulation services, but also higher ramping capabilities and more operating reserves to counter the costs associated with deeper and more frequent cycling of fossil units.

http://home.eng.iastate.edu/~jdm/wind/Compressed%20Air%20Energy%20Storage_Chapter_TRISHNA%20DAS.pdf
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 07, 2015, 02:37:04 pm
THE ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES PICTURE AS OF 2013
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060515221001.png&hash=036375cfc0485f2027a97e96d7c07ff600ebdd73)

Stored energy from the SURPLUS SUPPLY of Solar and Wind is the answer to EXCESS DEMAND at ANY TIME in the day OR night. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)

Dec. 6, 2014
Smooth Operators
Grid-scale storage

Quote
"The world would no doubt be a better place if the externalities imposed by fossil fuels were properly accounted for in the price of electricity."  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)
http://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21635331-matching-output-demand-hard-wind-and-solar-power-answer-store

The corporation referenced in the above article has done the math. Here is how it works, followed by two videos from their site.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060914180936.jpeg&hash=5e39d70fafe4e7190a6eebce34b740c58721de3f)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-070515000114.png&hash=071ac6518ebad22b2d81e4bd17f0f33bc2466e76)
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-070515000206.png&hash=95ece105a0f312c5e5ea8edd6739acaf18744fcf)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNyyILVkQP0&feature=player_embedded


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzKpqRRwSYo&feature=player_embedded


Details:  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fballoons.gif&hash=a64bb5ff3e76c3e11999996c460fa02de1ee10f7)


http://sustainablesv.org/ecocloud//uploads/solutions/Gravity_Power_Company_Overview_1-17-2013.pdf


Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 07, 2015, 08:18:07 pm
Quote
Photovoltaic (PV) panels combined with batteries will do to the electric utility industry what digital cameras did to the photography business.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.123rf.com%2F400wm%2F400%2F400%2Fyayayoy%2Fyayayoy1106%2Fyayayoy110600019%2F9735563-smiling-sun-showing-thumb-up.jpg&hash=09b45642ec6d7943d30b5b87548676e3ee7dbe3d)

Utilities, Cheap Batteries Won't Hurt You; You Have Much Worse Things to Worry About - Part I: Assault and Battery (http://theenergycollective.com/jayirwinstein/2223241/utilities-cheap-batteries-won-t-hurt-you-you-have-much-worse-things-worry-abou)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 07, 2015, 09:00:43 pm
Agelbert NOTE: This is from SPARK, the newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Institute. It was written just before the Tesla Battery announcement but it has great info on how to get the most out of the Tesla residential and business Battery.

There is nobody that can make better use of new technology to reduce (and eventually eliminate) dirty energy better.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)

Apr 30, 2015

Authors Jesse Morris Manager

The 10 Things Likely To Be Missing From Tesla’s Stationary Storage News


Later today Tesla Motors is expected to make a major announcement about new stationary storage offerings—both a home battery and a very large utility-scale battery. Everyone, it seems, has been abuzz for days, evidenced in wall-to-wall coverage from Bloomberg to Yahoo!. Investment analysts have been weighing in, too, and Tesla’s stock is up significantly this week on the forthcoming news.

Without speculating on the product’s technical specifications or other details we won’t know until Tesla makes the actual announcement, I think we can safely assume that Tesla’s talking points will follow a general three-point outline:
•Stationary storage—including behind-the-meter—is here for the long haul
•Storage has gotten very cheap (or will soon, thanks to the Gigafactory)
•Storage offers value to residential, commercial, and utility customers today

For residential and commercial customers, Tesla’s announcement is another proof point that cost-effective, customer-sited solar-plus-storage systems are coming, as we recently analyzed in The Economics of Load Defection.


However, an obsessive focus on cheap storage for customers risks missing the bigger opportunity. For batteries to be truly transformative—for customers and the grid—we need to recognize the full range of values they can provide and remove barriers (especially market participation) preventing customer-sited batteries from providing all of those values.

Twelve Services Energy Storage Can Deliver to the Grid

For sure, Tesla’s new systems will be used for backup power. They’ll also be used to lower customer bills through arbitrage against rates (such as demand charges) and demand response programs, as many other energy storage companies currently do. But without even knowing additional detail about the product itself, I can safely say that Tesla’s new product will able to do much, much more for multiple stakeholder groups including customers, utilities, and independent system operators (ISOs) / regional transmission organizations (RTOs).

In fact, when products like Tesla’s are installed behind the customer meter and networked with hundreds or thousands of other similar systems, storage is capable of providing about a dozen services to the electricity system at large. Furthermore, in many cases, it costs less for aggregated behind-the-meter storage to provide these services than what we pay for them to be delivered now in other ways.

The services energy storage can deliver when installed behind the meter like Tesla’s planned products fall into three categories: 1) services for customers, 2) services for ISOs / RTOs, and 3) services for utilities.

Services for Customers

•First, they can be used to directly benefit customers by:

•Providing backup power

•Reducing demand charges

•Optimizing customer bills against time of use or other non-volumetric rates

•Increasing self-consumption of distributed solar energy.
In places like Germany and Australia where net metering doesn’t exist or in some corners of the U.S. where electricity is expensive and net metering isn’t available, storage can be used to increase building-level self-consumption from a distributed solar system to maximize the economic benefit of solar. 

These services, especially the first two, are likely to be squarely in line with what Tesla and its partners will announce as major values of their new battery product. However, these customer benefits tell only part of the story; an exclusive focus on these aspects of Tesla’s (and others’) batteries will miss the bigger story and a bigger opportunity.

Services for ISOs / RTOs


Second, storage—especially fast-response batteries like the chemistries found in electric vehicle batteries—can support the grid by delivering a suite of ancillary services. In restructured states like California, this means energy storage can bid into wholesale electricity markets. In non-restructured states like Colorado, these services are delivered using assets directly controlled by the utility—not a marketplace.

These services include:

•Frequency regulation

•Spinning and non-spinning reserves

•Load following / energy arbitrage

•Black start

•Voltage support


In many cases, batteries can provide these services more reliably and at a lower cost than the technology that currently provides a majority of them—thermal power plants—so by using energy storage to deliver these services, some electricity systems can be maintained at a lower cost.

Services for Utilities


Third, storage systems installed behind the customer meter can be dispatched to provide deferral or adequacy services to utilities, such as:

•Transmission and distribution upgrade deferral. When load forecasts indicate transmission or distribution nodes will exceed their rated load carrying capacity, incremental investments in energy storage can be used to effectively increase the node’s capacity and avoid large, overbuilt, expensive upgrades to the nodes themselves.

•Transmission congestion relief. At certain times of the day, ISOs charge utilities to use congested transmission lines. Discharging energy storage systems located downstream of congested lines can avoid these charges.

•Resource adequacy. Instead of using or investing in combustion turbines to meet peak generation requirements, utilities can call upon other assets like energy storage instead.

In the U.S. alone, we’re slated to spend an estimated $1–2 trillion over the next fifteen years on electricity infrastructure. By deploying energy storage—along with demand response, energy efficiency, smart controls, and distributed solar—many of these investments can be avoided in the first place, saving money for society along the way.


Barriers to Market Participation

There’s little argument that systems like Tesla’s, when installed behind the customer meter, can technically deliver these services to the electricity grid. However, even though in many cases behind the meter energy storage—in addition to demand response and distributed solar PV—can provide these services at a competitive cost, several regulations, laws, and misunderstandings have largely restricted the ability of the technology to do so.

In Tesla’s home state of California and in a select number of states like New York, Texas, and Minnesota, regulatory reform efforts are under way that should help overcome many of these challenges.

But until those efforts are successful, these barriers currently restrict behind-the-meter storage to delivering a much shorter list of the services outlined above—even in states leading the charge for electricity system regulatory reform. Encouragingly, even with a truncated list of services to work with, Tesla will still be able to use its new product and create value for thousands of customers including commercial customers looking to reduce their demand charges and residential customers under dynamic rates. In fact, by deploying their new product to deliver only one or two of the twelve services energy storage is actually able to deliver, Tesla will demonstrate the value that their systems can create for the electricity system at large. This act will help overcome myriad regulatory challenges and utility misconceptions facing energy storage by pointing to real-world successes.

A Path Forward

Tesla won’t be alone in working to overcome these barriers to unfettered market access for energy storage and other distributed energy resources. Groups like the Electric Power Research Institute have research and analytical tools coming down the pipeline that will help to illustrate what batteries like Tesla’s can do for the system, and at what cost. And later this summer RMI will be releasing new research as well, including a body of work focused on quantifying the costs and benefits of behind-the-meter energy storage to the grid.

Through these efforts and with the availability of new products like Tesla’s in the marketplace we hope to provide tangible evidence to decision makers on the merits of distributed energy resources and the changes that need to take place in order to unlock their full potential.(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-object-077.gif&hash=eb438043c93ec6a7daa400b47ad44ad22d4818ce)

http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2015_04_30_ten_things_likely_to_be_missing_from_teslas_stationary_storage_news
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 12, 2015, 01:48:55 pm
05/08/2015 11:45 AM            
Tesla's New PowerWall Battery Sells Out! :o  ;D
SustainableBusiness.com News

Calling the response "overwhelming" and "crazy" Elon Musk says Powerwall batteries are already sold out through mid-2016.

Within days of announcing the launch of Tesla Energy, the company has 38,000 reservations for Powerwall - the home version of the battery. And since most people ordered more than one battery, the sales add up to more like 50,000-60,000.

There's also lots of interest on the industrial/ utility side for the larger version, called Powerpacks  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fmuscular.gif&hash=1ebeafc0e4589b9d38ab66d37aa940d757e830e9) . There are 2500 reservations for about 10 Powerpacks each, for a total 25,000 . (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-object-081.gif&hash=5981b917cdd5e334cd69d00213b2d119acbfb380)

Tesla also received 2,500 requests from distribution and installation companies. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)

Musk said all this on a call with investors on Tesla's first quarter results, but spent most of the time answering questions on Tesla Energy. The Gigafactory in Nevada - which comes online in mid-2016 - could be devoted to just these batteries, he says, indicating that this first factory won't meet demand.

He expects demand for these batteries to be double that for electric cars.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.thecarconnection.com%2Fhug%2Fcomputer-generated-image-of-proposed-tesla-motors-gigafactory_100479294_h.jpg&hash=44e7a6f4d188fead67238824c4708f7c913088df)
Fossil fuel produced energy WILL NOT BE USED to operate the above Battery Factory.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F301.gif&hash=0291ed4abf2d80e420d1aa00d4eb3c5dd6bbfb53)


In the first quarter, Tesla sold 10,030 Model S cars - 55% more than Q1 2014 - with revenues of $1.1 billion and a loss of $159 million. Its Model X SUV goes on sale late this year, followed by a lower priced Model S in 2017 ($35,000).

For background, read our article, Tesla's Next Goal: Transform How We Get Electricity (http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/26275).

SNIPPET:  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)

Quote
For businesses and utilities, Tesla Energy offers "Powerpacks   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3) ," more powerful versions of the home-based system "designed to scale infinitely."   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca) They integrate lithium batteries, power electronics, thermal management and controls into a turnkey system.

Powepacks are being piloted in over 100 projects, including Amazon Web Services data centers, Target and Walmart stores and Green Mountain, Southern California Edison and other utilities.

Incredibly, Musk plans to make its battery patents available for free as he has done for the electric car.  ;D
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/26287
Renewable energy= (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014181553.gif&hash=c09667beb656b25086c168adcdaddcba59abf858)                                (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-scared002.gif&hash=764898cfbf07ef2c41ffddc5e93fa0e1bed41bae)=Fossil Fuelers
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-forum%2Fpopcorn.gif&hash=f4c8fc573041a73e34bfb823e0611fbfe8617d67)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on July 12, 2015, 04:18:01 pm
Get the MOST out of your PV system! Learn how in this video.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjDpBpqyauM&feature=player_embedded

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-OFF-GRID-SOLAR-SYSTEM/?ALLSTEPS

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on July 17, 2015, 07:04:41 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-170715190115.png&hash=dc22140847e85c8a4662111035b2885cdccf4266)

Quote
www.victronenergy.com
Why lithium-iron phosphate?

Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) is the safest of the mainstream li-ion battery types. The nominal voltage of a LFP cell is 3,2V (lead-acid: 2V/cell). A 12,8V LFP battery therefore consists of 4 cells connected in series; and a 25,6V battery consists of 8 cells connected in series.

Rugged

A lead-acid battery will fail prematurely due to sulfation if:

• If it operates in deficit mode during long periods of time (i. e. if the battery is rarely, or never at all,fully charged).

• If it is left partially charged or worse, fully discharged (yacht or mobile home during winter time).

A LFP battery does not need to be fully charged. Service life even slightly improves in case of partial charge instead of a full charge. This is a major advantage of LFP compared to lead-acid. Other advantages are the wide operating temperature range, excellent cycling performance, low internal resistance and high efficiency (see below). LFP is therefore the chemistry of choice for very demanding applications.
Efficient In several applications (especially off-grid solar and/or wind), energy efficiency can be of crucial importance.

The round trip energy efficiency (discharge from 100% to 0% and back to 100% charged) of the average leadacid battery is 80%.

The round trip energy efficiency of a LFP battery is 92%.

The charge process of lead-acid batteries becomes particularly inefficient when the 80% state of charge has been reached, resulting in efficiencies of 50% or even less in solar systems where several days of reserve energy is required (battery operating in 70% to 100% charged state).

In contrast, a LFP battery will still achieve 90% efficiency under shallow discharge conditions.
Size and weight Saves up to 70% in space
Saves up to 70% in weight

Expensive?

LFP batteries are expensive when compared to lead-acid. But in demanding applications, the high initial cost will be more than compensated by longer service life, superior reliability and excellent efficiency.

Endless flexibility

LFP batteries are easier to charge than lead-acid batteries. The charge voltage may vary from 14V to 16V (as long as no cell is subjected to more than 4,2V), and they do not need to be fully charged. Therefore several batteries can be connected in parallel and no damage will occur if some batteries are less charged than others.

With or without Battery Management System (BMS)?


Important facts:

1. A LFP cell will fail if the voltage over the cell falls to less than 2,5V (note: recovery by charging with a low current, less than 0,1C, is sometimes possible).

2. A LFP cell will fail if the voltage over the cell increases to more than 4,2V.
Lead-acid batteries will eventually also be damaged when discharged too deeply or overcharged, but not immediately. A lead-acid battery will recover from total discharge even after it has been left in discharged state during days or weeks (depending on battery type and brand).

3. The cells of a LFP battery do not auto-balance at the end of the charge cycle.
The cells in a battery are not 100% identical. Therefore, when cycled, some cells will be fully charged or discharged earlier than others. The differences will increase if the cells are not balanced/equalized from time to time.

In a lead-acid battery a small current will continue to flow even after one or more cells are fully charged (the main effect of this current is decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen). This current helps to fully charge other cells that are lagging behind, thus equalizing the charge state of all cells.

The current through a LFP cell however, when fully charged, is nearly zero
, and lagging cells will therefore not be fully charged. Over time the differences between cells may become some so extreme that, even though the overall battery voltage is within limits, some cells will fail due to over- or under-voltage. Cell balancing is therefore highly recommended.

In addition to cell balancing, a BMS will:

- Prevent cell under voltage by timely disconnecting the load.
- Prevent cell overvoltage by reducing charge current or stopping the charge process.
- Shut down the system in case of over temperature.

A BMS is therefore indispensable to prevent damage to large Li-ion battery banks.

http://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-12,8-Volt-lithium-iron-phosphate-batteries-EN.pdf

http://www.victronenergy.com/batteries/Lithium-battery-12,8V

http://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2015/07/17/energy-positive-house-ecolek-wales-ltd-installs-victron-energy-equipment-in-solcer-house/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on July 26, 2015, 06:06:45 pm
https://youtu.be/LPKuyQZ--X4


DIY Lead-Acid to Lithium-Ion battery conversion

Rinoa Super-Genius   

Published on Sep 15, 2013

Quote
Well my favorite battery died on me, so i decided to refit it with old 18650 cells that i have laying around. and now i finally have a use for those old cells too. right now it's running at 8v and as i add more battery cells i'll cahnge the voltage to whatever works best. i plan on using a voltage step-up transformer with it to run whatever i need.

this Duralast battery was from my greatgrandparents 1981 Mercury Zephyr (witch i got and may convert to electric someday) and its one of the first batteries i really messed with when i was younger. so since it's helped me so much i'll help it back by refitting it with a more useful battery chemistry.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 05, 2015, 08:17:40 pm
https://youtu.be/Lt6oKRQqoSc
How Lithium Batteries are made and where they mine Lithium in the USA
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 08, 2015, 10:31:38 pm
How Solar-plus-Battery Systems Insulate Customers from Rising Retail Electricity Prices   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F8.gif&hash=c1d98e606d7f558df4040f88e7997b3e11e9448c)
Oct 5, 2015

David Labrador Writer / Editor

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)

http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2015_10_05_how_solar_plus_battery_systems_insulate_customers_from_rising_retail_electricity_prices
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 10, 2015, 07:32:32 pm
Planning on using a diesel or gasoline powered generator to recharge your batteries in a collapse scenario is a really STUPID idea. See below for a common sense applications of mechanical leverage and advantage.

Young humans using mechanical leverage are RENEWABLE ENERGY back up generators

Here's an idea:  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014182902.gif&hash=1dec33f3f6c520ffeac0082b58f46ffa3ed7cedb) Ride one of THESE inside a large wheel that generates electricity. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coh2.org%2Fimages%2FSmileys%2Fhuhsign.gif&hash=3732d0427be65896527fc3805c5be54a33cffd3b)


(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foddstuffmagazine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F11%2FMadeinChina11-650x498.jpg&hash=411c75f7b91eb4e27f015fd606e2c8c417e9e0de)

Now that's a REALLY cheap generator that DOES NOT use fossil fuel POISONS. When you are in a hole, you are supposed to stop DIGGING!

There will ALWAYS be energetic types (while they are young, of course  ;D) available to generate electricity after the collapse of civilization. That is, until the big homo sap die offs occur...  :P

But let's take this in chronological order, shall we? There are STILL over 7 billion of us around, and a HUGE chunk of that population is young and will soon work for food.

It's gonna be REAL HARD to find distillates after the collapse, comprende amigos? Please discard your irrationally optimistic views of back up fossil fuel generator help for you and yours. They are NOT going to work in a collapse for more than a few months.(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_6869.gif&hash=f94938471d343a09155d1f60eefacdb2ceab2457)

When the common people, post collapse and well into the global warming caused vicious weather, FINALLY do the math on cause and effect from fossil fuels, you can expect a lynch mob to visit you if they get wind that you are STILL using fossil fuels...
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 10, 2015, 09:18:11 pm
Where can you observe one working? I'd like to see it.  Are there videos?

This is not running a generator, but Ferris wheels like this are turned by powerful internal combustion engines or electric motors in the USA. There is no way a person riding a bicycle generator could supply the energy needed to turn this Ferris wheel. consequently, you can assume that the power these humans are generating, if said Ferris wheel was turning a generator head, would be substantial. They are not world class athletes. They are probably very cheap labor. With heavy weights around the Ferris wheel and a race inside with people riding bicycles, the torque you could exert would be even more than is being produced in this video.

https://youtu.be/1Le1DsSdiBE
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 13, 2015, 06:34:52 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.victronenergy.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FMatsko-730x558.jpg&hash=c2a637bc52d8ff6a4379c6f691396a7f67a11184)

Motor Yacht Matsko: Quiet, inexpensive energy

SNIPPET:

Design brief: Quiet energy onboard with fuel savings

The aim of Matsko’s investment company (Fuego Ltd.) was to have an AC power supply on-board, without using a generator or shore supply. The project was assisted by the fact that Fuego had all the necessary skills to wire the installation. Based on this information SCHRACK TECHNIK were able to develop a solution and supply the system components. All of the new essential components were manufactured and supplied by Victron Energy.

Originally the vessel’s electricity was supplied by the on-board generators or shore supply. This resulted in the generators having to be used in quiet places in nature when anchored, as obviously no shore supply was available. This was particularly unwelcome at night when trying to enjoy a peaceful evening in some quiet hidden bay. Whilst no air conditioning was required throughout the evening and night, the generator was required to cover refrigerators and some lighting. Although electricity consumption was relatively small, there was always the irritation of the generator ‘muttering’ all night. Furthermore it is known that when a generator is operating in this way it is substantially under loaded, i.e. well below rated load, so unfortunately it is not running in a fuel efficient way.

Generator fuel consumption was around 4 l/h at idle, i.e. with a light load, and 6 l/h at full load. The idea was therefore to completely shut down the generator in the evening and the morning and use ‘quiet energy’ to power the refrigerator and lighting. Then if the vessel were to sail during the day, the main engines would run, with both generators working which you can then load for any additional battery charging.

This can achieve two objectives: when the generators are operating, they are working in the area of higher loads, so the better efficiency in terms of the number of litres of fuel with energy being produced more efficiently. Now any persons on-board can enjoy a peaceful sleep with ‘quiet energy’ being supplied for the night maintenance of the vessel, when at anchor. But it is also clear that by paying attention to the energy consumption at sea and when berthing in a marina connected to the shore supply, that instead of using the generators such an approach can reduce overall power consumption even further by using the silent low-cost shore energy to charge batteries, in order to be ready for sailing the following day.

All of these goals can be achieved by adding a suitable battery bank to store energy which can then be used later. This desire for tranquility on-board also decreases the overall operating costs of the system too.


 

http://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2015/10/13/motor-yacht-matsko-quiet-inexpensive-energy/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on December 30, 2015, 11:55:40 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvlolmFX-rc&feature=player_embedded

Tesla Powerwall – A Battery Powered Home
By: Owen Geiger

http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/tesla-powerwall-a-battery-powered-home/#more-11453
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 25, 2016, 04:03:49 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/527210744178167809/z6CbCdS5.jpeg)
Feb 24, 2016

Authors Margaret McCall Associate

Water Heaters: As Sexy as a Tesla?  ???

How grid-interactive water heaters are joining the battery revolution


Of all the new tech emerging on the energy landscape, water heaters seem an unlikely contender. Alongside battery players like Tesla, with its Model X and Powerwall, water heaters look like even more of a stretch. However, the growing industry consensus is that grid-interactive water heaters have serious potential. They just might be the unexpected battery in your basement.

Why the buzz about water heaters?

Water heaters and batteries have one fundamental feature in common: they both store energy, batteries as charge and water heaters as heat. This ability to store energy gives water heaters flexibility. For example, they can be heated at night when power is cheap without jeopardizing your ability to take a hot shower in the morning. 

Grid-interactive water heaters (GIWH) are electric water heaters that the grid operator or the local utility can control in real time (or the customer, automated software, or a third party could control them in response to granular retail price signals from the utility). This controllability makes a GIWH valuable for more than just hot showers. For example, in addition to heating water when power is cheap, it can also shut down during yearly system peaks, help integrate renewables, and provide services to the electric grid like frequency regulation. Optimizing water heaters like this can significantly reduce carbon emissions and, as explained below, create billions of dollars in value.

Better yet, this functionality is not dependent on future technology: any electric water heater with a tank—be it old-school electric resistance or newfangled heat pump—can become grid-interactive. Making modifications to an existing water heater to install a grid-connected communications device takes a couple of hours and could cost a few hundred dollars. However, building in grid-interactive capabilities at the factory only costs a few dollars and provides much more value to the grid and to the customer.

A high-value source of demand flexibility

In our 2015 report, The Economics of Demand Flexibility, RMI analyzed the potential of flexible loads to provide significant economic value to the grid, finding at least $13 billion per year from common residential loads like water heaters and air conditioners. We found that water heaters, especially, have the potential to be an easily-tapped and high-value source of this flexibility.

A new study by the Brattle Group provides an in-depth exploration of the economic benefits of GIWHs. The fact that the study was jointly commissioned by utilities, environmental advocates, and industry groups highlights the diversity of groups interested in the potential of GIWHs. Brattle analyzed the potential of multiple scenarios, calculating that up to $200 in net system benefits may be realized annually for every GIWH participant. Ultimately, the authors concluded that GIWHs are a resource with significant opportunity for reductions in both costs and emissions, and one whose operational viability is already being demonstrated in pilot projects around the country—an exciting endorsement for the mild-mannered water heater.

Full article:
http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2016_02_24_water_heaters_as_sexy_as_a_tesla

Agelbert COMMENT: Good article but here's the state electric rate board elephant in the demand flexibility room.

Most power companies use demand flexibility ONLY for their benefit and offer the customer no savings from lower rates at low demand times. I live in Vermont and that is the case with GMP (Green Mountain Power). A glance at their different rates gives blatant evidence that they continue to give lower rates to industries that actually DO contribute to higher peak loads! This volume pricing 20th century antiquated approach is wrongheaded in the light of our climate change and carbon footprint crisis. But they insist it is "good for the economy". Sure, if you ignore he externalized pollution costs!

Meanwhile, GMP is partnering with Tesla to sell us the Powerwall as a back up to power failure without offering us a NICKEL (i.e. a penny or so off the normal hourly rate of about 15 cents per Kwh) in lower rates savings if we use an installed Powerwall during off peak hours to run our water heater or wash clothes, etc.

This type of power company ONE WAY PROFITS street is precisely what you at RMI should address more often. As your article points out, it's in their best interests to give lower rates to non-corporate customers during off peak times because the power company can then avoid buying extra power that they aren't generating or budgeting for some added plant and equipment. But, in most places in the USA, Vermont being one of them, the stranglehold of power companies on the state rate setting boards guarantees that no variable rates for residential customers are available. This is 20th century 'greed is good' biosphere damage promoting stupidity that favors the burning of fossil fuels for peak loads. This is insane.

Please contact GMP and let them know that many customers (that WILL NOT buy that Powerwall if it's just a glorified backup generator to be used for a few hours a year) WOULD buy the Powerwall they are marketing if we were offered a penny or lower hourly rate discount from our rather high fixed rate during off peak times. Better yet, contact Tesla. I'm sure they will get the appropriate message  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F2mo5pow.gif&hash=995f9f6c08dcd54f18425f2bfbe138901cf052b1) to GMP, if you know what I mean.  ;)

GMP could provide flexible residential rates that if they wanted to. They are just too greedy to. As your article makes clear, that does not make economic or energy sense. I'm sure Elon Musk would agree.
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpm1.narvii.com%2F5869%2F6a64193d6770c3afd17406c78686c0eda32ded1c_hq.jpg&hash=fedf26e48d67cdd1e932380c7336ac18486d3fee)


Green Mountain Power of Vermont Rates:

RESIDENTIAL = 14.852 cents per kwh (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183312.bmp&hash=02dafef2fe739676600fdc9bd56271f0f5ab3723)
(that's straight off my most recent power bill WITHOUT the added charges)

INDUSTRIAL   =   9.88   cents per kwh     (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Facigar.gif&hash=dc9dccf92c6c88c99611b06c86d92629d69f2978)


Green Mountain Power rates paraded as  slightly lower than the other area rates in a New England Comparison Rate Chart (http://www.greenmountainpower.com/customers/payment/new-england-comparison-rate-chart/)

There is no excuse for these power companies to not provide flexible rates to residential customers or to provide the ridiculously low rates to the industrial customers that significantly add to peak load demand.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F301.gif&hash=0291ed4abf2d80e420d1aa00d4eb3c5dd6bbfb53)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 26, 2016, 10:03:21 pm
Enphase Energy Announces New Residential Storage Product  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clipartbest.com%2Fcliparts%2Fxig%2Fojx%2Fxigojx6KT.png&hash=6706182c9f1427099a77e10d1758e61d9cadb701)

February 25th, 2016 by Kyle Field

SNIPPET:

Enphase Energy has long been a key provider of microinverter and wiring solutions for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and has built on that success with another important component of a holistic energy solution — storage. Before we dive into the company’s recently updated product, let’s talk a bit about the Enphase approach to “going green” at home and for the entire grid. That all starts with the Enphase Home Energy Solution (video).

https://youtu.be/8rnCVr48XGA


Full story:


http://cleantechnica.com/2016/02/25/enphase-energy-announces-new-residential-storage-product/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 20, 2016, 09:33:46 pm
How to make a lithium battery for an electric bicycle  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clipartbest.com%2Fcliparts%2Fxig%2Fojx%2Fxigojx6KT.png&hash=6706182c9f1427099a77e10d1758e61d9cadb701)
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Lithium-Battery-for-an-Electric-Bicy/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 03, 2016, 08:03:51 pm
Researchers create incredible, everlasting battery

Megan Treacy (@mtreacy)
Technology / Gadgets
 May 2, 2016

SNIPPET:

A typical lithium-ion battery starts to deteriorate after a few thousand charge cycles because lithium deposits build up on the electrodes and cause the battery to lose the ability to hold a charge. For this new battery, the researchers used nanowires, which are highly conductive and have a large surface area, making them great at holding charge as electrodes.

Nanowire are very fragile though and the abuse of charge/discharge cycles breaks them down quickly. To prevent that, the researchers coated a gold nanowire in a manganese dioxide shell and encased the assembly in a Plexiglas-like gel electrolyte.

The gel coating was just an experiment, an afterthought, but when they tested it they found that the device was able to go through 200,000 cycles without any loss of capacity or any damage to the nanowire.  :o  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.uglyhedgehog.com%2Fupload%2F2012%2F8%2F14%2F1344970546338-awesome_mc_ht_smiley.gif&hash=3ae7abfc4fed4417a941b6f116204b754f1e587f)

Quote
“That was crazy,” said Reginald Penner, chair of UCI’s chemistry department and researcher on the project, “because these things typically die in dramatic fashion after 5,000 or 6,000 or 7,000 cycles at most.”

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-100115191314.jpeg&hash=d55e3d264e3b56cb2eaf7dcb8dd62a8f98d301f2)

The coated electrode was able to hold its shape better than one without a coating and the researchers think that the think the gel plasticizes the metal oxide in the battery giving it flexibility and preventing any fractures.

http://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/researchers-create-incredible-everlasting-battery.html


Agelbert NOTE:
I am CERTAIN the fossil fuel industry will do whatever it can to suppress this massive Renewable energy breakthrough because this technology means  ZERO storage limitations for EVs powered from Renewable Energy harvesting technologies like wind and solar AND ZERO NEED for gasoline powered vehicles.

Renewable energy= (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-301014181553.gif&hash=c09667beb656b25086c168adcdaddcba59abf858)                                (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-scared002.gif&hash=764898cfbf07ef2c41ffddc5e93fa0e1bed41bae)=Fossil Fuelers
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-forum%2Fpopcorn.gif&hash=f4c8fc573041a73e34bfb823e0611fbfe8617d67)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 03, 2016, 10:15:54 pm
Quote
coated a gold nanowire

Sounds interesting AG.    ;) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F4fvfcja.gif&hash=34a9a570347d39a0a892bc1f376c5e8b88add6b5)

                                                         (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.rapgenius.com%2Fb2cce9ac07f7efea037cb5275b932510.570x426x1.jpg&hash=9e42acbde726c0f6ce6e4b7c67ace72b0b70b84e)
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FHjPbLbmep2aJO%2Fgiphy.gif&hash=3c7f7703f00cb341d3e9bdba607208d4204a294c)

I was just about to PM you with a copy of this post. I figured this would be of interest to you.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191456.bmp&hash=a239c2fd76d20d142f1c54b961e22ebd0d2a4808)

It is true that nano-wires do not require a lot of metal. So, the battery price should compete favorably with lithium ion, considering the vast charge cycle range.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.123rf.com%2F400wm%2F400%2F400%2Fyayayoy%2Fyayayoy1106%2Fyayayoy110600019%2F9735563-smiling-sun-showing-thumb-up.jpg&hash=09b45642ec6d7943d30b5b87548676e3ee7dbe3d)

This technology, if not suppressed by the fossil fuel fascists  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fpirates5B15D_th.gif&hash=32438e1ed2c4d1823d4ed2a193286525c840a605), will move GOLD up so high in DEMAND in the industrial sector (where the money manipulators CANNOT GAME the price) that the intrinsic value of that precious metal will be BOOSTED mightily by it's industrial metal status, above and beyond electrical contacts and such.     (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)

As you know, ALL industrial metals CAN be recycled indefinitely without new mining efforts. So, the use of gold nanowires to help provide battery storage for electric powered houses, cars ,ships, trains, trucks and aircraft to eliminate the need for ALL internal combustion powered vehicles permanently would certainly be sustainable as well as being cost effective.

Gold mining, hopefuly, will be done in a more sustainable way to keep up with demand.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emofaces.com%2Fpng%2F200%2Femoticons%2Ffingerscrossed.png&hash=d56f8009d18b55f4cea7be68284c0521be92fc5d)


The fossil fuelers will sniff and say, "This Quantum jump in battery storage technology is not ready for prime time".

Yes it is! Battery technology like this can be scaled up in a couple of years BECAUSE the battery manufacturing infrastructure has already been pioneered with the lithium ion factories all over the world. The doped nano-wires, once any bugs in the assembly process are ironed out, can change our transportation picture in less than a decade! (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-object-062.gif&hash=88ceb4a34a12b2bea2fd9edd887da26d73308257)


This is BIG! This is HUGE! And, of course, people like you with a nice gold stash are going to do quite well. 
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smilies.4-user.de%2Finclude%2FSpiele%2Fsmilie_game_017.gif&hash=e8548890f80af23241a1d43a1ab1ca8031301f20)



Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 19, 2016, 09:03:01 pm
Storing The Sun’s Energy Just Got A Whole Lot Cheaper  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-280416145345.jpeg&hash=c4e7afc08c72dc2f0bda6263e15988db481c2418)


 by Joe Romm May 18, 2016 10:50 am


CREDIT: S&C Electric Company
Part of a game-changing 4.2 MW solar + storage system in Minster, Ohio. (picture at article link)

With prices dropping rapidly for both renewables and battery storage, the economics of decarbonizing the grid are changing faster than most policymakers, journalists, and others realize. So, as part of my ongoing series, “Almost Everything You Know About Climate Change Solutions Is Outdated,” I will highlight individual case studies of this real-time revolution.

My Monday post discussed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) report that in the first quarter, the U.S. grid added 18 megawatts of new natural gas generating capacity, but 1,291 MW of new renewables. But one of FERC’s “Electric Generation Highlights” for March deserves special attention as a leading indicator of the revolutionary new economics of solar plus storage:

Quote
Half Moon Ventures LLC’s 4.2 MW Minster Solar Project in Auglaise County, OH is online. This project includes an energy storage capacity.

The Minster “solar + storage system is the largest U.S. facility of its kind connected through a municipal utility,” according to S&C Electric Company, which built and integrated the storage system. It combines a 4.3-MW photovoltaic systems and a 7-MW/3-MWh storage management system that provides power conversion with lithium ion batteries.

Lithium Ion storage The lithium-ion-based storage system used in Minster. (picture at article link)
CREDIT: S&C Electric Company
 
How does a storage system based on lithium-ion batteries make economic sense? The answer is: in a few different ways, with a system called “revenue stacking.” It’s worth taking a slightly wonky look at how such a system can stack or combine multiple revenue sources, since this is a defining feature of the game-changing new economics of solar energy plus storage.

To get the scoop on the system, I spoke to S&C’s Director of Grid Solutions, Troy Miller, who described this as “one of the first, if not the first” energy storage system to allow so many different revenues sources. The company has also posted online the full case study.

Capturing the Multi-Faceted Value of Energy Storage  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Femoticons%2Femoticon-object-062.gif&hash=88ceb4a34a12b2bea2fd9edd887da26d73308257)

First, this system lets Half Moon Venture sell into PJM’s market for frequency regulation. PJM is the regional transmission organization that coordinates wholesale electricity movement and maintains grid reliability for over 60 million customers in 13 Eastern and Midwestern states and the District of Columbia. Frequency regulation is “the injection and withdrawal of power on a second-by-second basis to maintain grid frequency at 60 Hz.”

To make this happen, “the battery system was sized for frequent charging and discharging cycles.” The control platform for the system was designed “to interface with PJM market interfacing software to enable the system to follow a signal from PJM.” The system analyzes both grid conditions and market pricing to determine how to optimize revenues by either dispatching to or absorbing electricity from the grid.

Second, the Village of Minster had a major power quality problem — “occasional low power factor,” which wastes energy and requires expensive equipment to fix. Minster had been planning to install $350,000 worth of capacitor banks dedicated to dealing with this issue. But S&C was able to design the storage system to “provide power-factor correction concurrent with frequency regulation services.” That saved Minster $350,000.

Third, the system will allow Minster to reduce peak mid-day demand charges. Utilities typically charge customers a fee whose size depends on the maximum power consumed during a day since, they argue, they have to maintain enough capacity to deal with the very biggest peak demand they might see — typically during a hot summer day.

For a large electricity user like Minster, “PJM looks at the five highest two-hour peak load periods across its entire territory” at the end of a given year. PJM then assesses the user a “Peak-Load Contribution” charge based on how big the peak is. In Minster’s case, it is some 11 megawatts. To save Minster money, S&C designed their energy storage system software “to predict when these peaks would occur” and, when they do, to “switch from providing frequency-regulation services to demand response services.” The system should be able to shave Minster’s peak demand some 2 MW.

Quote

The bottom line, according to Miller, is “Revenue stacking is one of the quickest ways to create a strong return on investment for energy storage systems.” He expects to see a lot more projects like these in the future.

I asked him how much the sharp drop in battery prices had opened the door to such projects. Miller explained that battery prices had come down by a factor of three in the last few years, which greatly “expands available opportunities that are currently in the money.” Lots of stuff that didn’t make economic sense now does.  ;D

We already know there are a number of ways to greatly increase the penetration of renewable energy using existing hardware and software. What we are now witnessing is the dawn of a revolution that will enable lithium-ion batteries to play a larger and larger role in that increased penetration.

Renewables are more unstoppable than ever. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)


The only questions that remain now are

1) will we embrace the kind of aggressive deployment programs needed to avoid catastrophic global warming ???, and

2) will we nurture a domestic market that will maintain U.S. leadership in key job-creating low carbon technologies ???, or will we outsource more jobs to China and Europe.  :(

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/05/18/3778623/new-economics-solar-plus-battery-storage/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on July 07, 2016, 10:36:51 pm
(https://www.cleanenergywire.org/sites/all/themes/clew/logo.png)


“Large battery in Brandenburg starts operations” (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-040716230142.jpeg&hash=e3e3e3018263d5b26d55382ceaec3f28aac961b9)

A 5-megawatt storage battery has started regular operations in Brandenburg, after a 1-year test run was completed successfully, PV magazine reports.

The battery is among the biggest of its kind in Europe and has the prequalification as a network stabilising facility.

The facility could substitute the balancing power provided by a 100-megawatt thermal power plant, thereby saving 20,000 tonnes of CO2 annually  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf), operator Upside G roup said.

Read the article in German (behind paywall) here (http://www.handelsblatt.com/my/politik/deutschland/strom-und-gasnetz-regulierer-kappt-die-netzrenditen/13839612.html?ticket=ST-4942994-yOxAnbKfcx4lToD2zLfb-ap2).
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on September 16, 2016, 02:49:08 pm
Tesla Wins Massive Contract to Help Power the California Grid  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)


It's the latest response to a fossil-fuel disaster.


by  Tom Randall 
September 15, 2016 — 2:21 PM EDT

Tesla just won a bid to supply grid-scale power in Southern California to help prevent electricity shortages following the biggest natural gas leak in U.S. history. The Powerpacks, worth tens of millions of dollars, will be operational in record time—by the end of this year.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)   

Tesla Motors Inc. will supply 20 megawatts (80 megawatt-hours) of energy storage to Southern California Edison as part of a wider effort to prevent blackouts by replacing fossil-fuel electricity generation with lithium-ion batteries. Tesla's contribution is enough to power about 2,500 homes for a full day, the company said in a blog post on Thursday. But the real significance of the deal is the speed with which lithium-ion battery packs are being deployed.

"The storage is being procured in a record time frame," months instead of years, said Yayoi Sekine, a battery analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. "It highlights the maturity of advanced technologies like energy storage to be contracted as a reliable resource in an emergency situation."

Here's a chart (at article link) showing the acceleration of energy-storage deployment as batteries gain popularity.

The deal fits into Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk's long-term vision of transforming Tesla from an an electric car company to a clean-energy company. That's the same motivation behind his pending deal to acquire SolarCity Corp., the rooftop solar company founded by his cousins, of which he is also chairman and the largest shareholder.

In total megawatt hours, the Tesla batteries will make up the biggest lithium-ion battery project in the world, though it will soon be surpassed by others under contract, according to data compiled by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.1increase click area A Tesla spokeswoman declined to comment on the value of the 20 megawatt deal. According to Tesla's website, a 2-megawatt Tesla battery system costs about $2.9 million, and any contracts greater than 2.5 megawatts must be negotiated directly with the company.

Last fall's natural gas leak at Aliso Canyon, near the Los Angeles neighborhood of Porter Ranch, released thousands of tons of methane before it was sealed in February. In its wake, SCE and other utilities are pursuing energy storage deals. To alleviate the risk of blackouts, regulators ordered the installation of systems to store electricity when demand is low and deploy it when usage spikes, especially during the winter heating season.

Although Sempra Energy plugged its massive gas leak in February, use of its Aliso Canyon complex, California’s biggest gas storage field, remains restricted. Grid-storage projects are now being fast-tracked and built in less than four months, compared to an average of three and a half years in previous procurements, according to data compiled by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

In August, California regulators approved two contracts for AES Corp. to build 37 megawatts of grid-scale energy storage systems to address anticipated power shortfalls stemming from the Aliso Canyon leak. Canadian energy company AltaGas Ltd. also won a 20 megawatt (80 megawatt-hour) contract with Southern California Edison to be completed this year.
Quote

"This isn’t a Tesla-only story," Sekine said. "This is a broader energy win."
  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-15/tesla-wins-utility-contract-to-supply-grid-scale-battery-storage-after-porter-ranch-gas-leak
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 04, 2016, 06:07:47 pm
Chicago aquarium’s battery will have broader impact on the grid
     


Written By
David J. Unger
10/03/2016

Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is known for its work to exhibit and conserve the complexity of Earth’s aquatic ecosystems. But in the coming weeks, the civic institution will find itself an extension of another complex – albeit very manmade – system: the 21st-Century electric grid.

In June, Shedd installed a 60,000-pound, $2 million battery as part of the aquarium’s plan to cut energy consumption in half by 2020. Like all energy-storage systems, Shedd’s battery will provide valuable backup power and help meet peak demand for the aquarium.

But the 1 megawatt, lithium-ion system will also play a broader role in the way electricity supply and demand is balanced across the region. Once its battery comes online, Shedd will be able to sell stored power into electricity markets run by PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that manages electricity production and flow across 13 states and the District of Columbia.

The battery was funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and installed by Schneider Electric. Bob Wengel, vice president of facilities at Shedd, says the battery should be ready for operation by the end of October.

At that point, Shedd will essentially straddle the divide between power consumer and power producer, a divide that has long defined the existing power grid.

“If you go back 30 years, the grid was a one-way street,” Wengel told Midwest Energy News during a recent visit to tour the aquarium’s energy system on a blustery, wet day. The rise of wind and solar power help reduce the strain on natural resources, but they also make traffic on the grid more complicated.

Grid operators like PJM have to make sure power flows are consistent and stable despite the rise in variable energy sources like wind and sun. Typically, that spare capacity is ensured by keeping fossil fuel plants running in case of a sudden change in supply or demand.
Quote

Batteries, like the one being installed at Shedd, offer a cleaner alternative for managing the grid. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)

“If you had enough batteries out doing this … you could shut down those plants,” Wengel said. “Now think of the natural resources you save   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fearthhug.gif&hash=3abcf70466f34337f2d702ebd9e02c650d5c4c20).”


‘A huge relationship’  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-280416145345.jpeg&hash=c4e7afc08c72dc2f0bda6263e15988db481c2418)


Of course, Shedd is not the first to embrace the title of “prosumer,” as producer-consumers are sometimes called in the energy industry. Nor will it be the last. Most households with rooftop solar are themselves extensions of the grid, both producing power and demanding it. Analysts expect the grid of tomorrow to consist largely of these kinds of distributed networks of prosumers sending energy back and forth to one another. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)


But for Shedd – home to 32,000 aquatic animals – the impetus for helping to usher in a smarter, more decentralized grid hits particularly close to home.

Quote
“If we could save the CO2 emissions from power plants, and we can save the water resources, we’re starting to protect the habitat that our animals live in,” Wengel said. “There’s a huge relationship there for us.”

In 2013, Shedd partnered with the City of Chicago, the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition and other groups to put together a Master Energy Roadmap that would guide the aquarium toward reducing its energy use by nearly 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. The average Illinois household consumes about 8,940 kWh per year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That means Shedd would save enough energy each year to power around 1,100 Illinois households.

“The collaboration is an exceptional example of how organizations across public and private sectors can work together to find innovative ways to make our civic institutions use energy smarter, cleaner and more efficiently,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a press release at the time.

Since then, Shedd has installed 913 solar panels with a capacity of 265 kilowatts on the roof of its Abbott Oceanarium and some 1,000 efficient LED lights throughout its facility on Chicago’s lakefront. The battery aims to complement the existing energy system by offering backup power for critical systems and an additional source of revenue in the form of selling power back onto the grid. Later on, it may be used for grid-scale demand response or to help meet the aquarium’s peak demand locally, Wengel said.

The battery and solar systems are relatively small in comparison to the aquarium’s overall energy use. The solar panels generate between 300,000 to 400,000 kWh a year. That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the 1.2 million to 1.6 million kWh Shedd consumes in just an average month.

But the southwest facing panels make up for limited capacity with good timing. By catching the late-afternoon sun, the panels are able to provide an extra boost when it is needed most – between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. when energy demand is highest.


Education mission

Behind the scenes at Shedd, in a small windowless room out of sight from the stingrays, penguins, turtles and other creatures, is the brain behind the aquarium’s advanced energy system. Seven computer monitors display real-time data about the building’s overall energy consumption, the status of various pumps, water heaters and other equipment, local weather conditions and the flow of power from the rooftop solar panels.

One screen displays a graph representing the target energy consumption levels throughout the day. The goal for the operator is to try to adjust various equipment to keep overall energy consumption at or below the target.

Quote
In the first month of using the system, Shedd was able to reduce its consumption by 50,000 kWh  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.123rf.com%2F400wm%2F400%2F400%2Fyayayoy%2Fyayayoy1106%2Fyayayoy110600019%2F9735563-smiling-sun-showing-thumb-up.jpg&hash=09b45642ec6d7943d30b5b87548676e3ee7dbe3d) , Wengel said.

It’s an elaborate setup for an institution whose primary focus is water, not energy. But the two are deeply linked, as power plants require water for cooling and large amounts of energy are required to pump, treat and heat water for consumers.

In its pursuit of sustainability, it would have been easier for Shedd to purchase renewable energy credits that offset carbon-heavy generation from fossil fuel plants. But instead the institution spent years researching, planning, partnering and ultimately building its own unique energy system.

For Wengel, doing the legwork, the “soul searching” and the hosting of a physical system onsite is core to Shedd’s educational mission.

“We’re going to educate people about the battery,” Wengel said of the system. “We’re also going to relate it in a way that [says], ‘Someday you’re going to have a battery in your house.’”


Independent reporting on Illinois smart grid issues is made possible by a grant from the Illinois Science & Energy Innovation Foundation.   


http://midwestenergynews.com/2016/10/03/chicago-shedd-aquarium-solar-battery-will-have-broader-impact-on-the-grid/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on January 31, 2017, 06:21:28 pm
Tesla Unveils World's Largest Battery Storage Plant to Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad)

SNIPPET:

In an effort to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, Tesla and Southern California Edison have unveiled a massive battery storage facility at the utility's Mira Loma substation in Ontario, California.

The project—which is being described as the largest lithium-ion battery storage project in the world—consists of 396 stacks of Tesla Powerpack units spread across 1.5 acres. The batteries can store up to 80 megawatt hours, or enough energy to power 15,000 homes for four hours.

"This project is part of our vision at Southern California Edison to take advantage of the wind and the sun, and operate a flexible grid that delivers clean energy to power our homes, our businesses and our vehicles," Kevin Payne, CEO of Southern California Edison, said at a ribbon-cutting event Monday.

"Standing here today among these Tesla Powerpacks is a great reminder of how fast technology is changing the electric power industry and the opportunities that will come with it."

While the project officially switched online on Monday it began operating in December.

"We are very excited to bring this site online," said Tesla's chief technical officer JB Straubel. "Storage is quite a new thing … and this is a different breed of battery. This is the tip of the iceberg of how much storage we'll see on the grid."


The batteries charge up when there is more renewable energy than demand, ultimately allowing customers to use clean energy during peak hours.

As the New York Times explained, California has a need for batteries to store surplus renewable energy:

"California is on track to have an overabundance of energy during the day, when its many solar panels are producing energy, but that supply drops sharply as the sun sets, precisely when demand rises, with residents heading home to use appliances and, increasingly, to charge cars.

"The state's aging nuclear plants have been closed or are being phased out, putting even more pressure on utilities to find other ways to feed the grid. Storage is a natural solution, utility executives say, helping to smooth variations in the power flow from rooftop customers and when solar falls off and conventional plants have not yet filled the gap."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was not at the ribbon-cutting ceremony but he retweeted a company tweet in support of the project. In the clip below, Tesla touts that its new facility, which only took 94 days to install, reduces the reliance on gas peaker plants, prevents electricity shortages, provides secure energy and reduces greenhouse gases:


http://www.ecowatch.com/tesla-battery-storage-2228015137.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 24, 2017, 01:41:41 pm
February 24, 2017

3 More Gigafactories Coming Soon to 'Change the Way the World Uses Energy'    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)

Lorraine Chow


At the grand opening of Tesla's enormous Gigafactory in July, CEO Elon Musk said he wants to build Gigafactories on several continents. He told BBC he wanted a factory "in Europe, in India, in China ... ultimately, wherever there is a huge amount of demand for the end product."

Well, it looks like Musk's factory-building plans are well underway.

The company said in its fourth-quarter investor letter on Wednesday that it is considering building up to five Gigafactories.  :o  ;D

The letter states:

"Installation of Model 3 manufacturing equipment is underway in Fremont and at Gigafactory 1, where in January, we began production of battery cells for energy storage products, which have the same form-factor as the cells that will be used in Model 3. Later this year, we expect to finalize locations for Gigafactories 3, 4 and possibly 5 (Gigafactory 2 is the Tesla solar plant in New York)."

Tesla officially flicked on Gigafactory 1's switch in January. The factory produces lithium-ion battery cells for Tesla's suite of battery storage products, the Powerwall 2 and Powerpack 2, as well as the company's mass-market electric car, the Model 3.

Gigafactory 1 is currently being built in phases so that the company and its partners can manufacture products while the building continues to expand. Construction is expected for completion by 2018, at which point the plant could claim the title of world's largest building by footprint.

The facility will also be astoundingly clean and energy efficient, as it will be powered 100 percent by renewables such as solar, wind, geothermal and will feature energy-storage technology.

The company also plans for the building to achieve net zero energy. Tesla co-founder and chief technical officer JB Straubel once explained why Tesla wanted Gigafactory operations to be completely carbon neutral:

"The Gigafactory is maybe the best example we can talk about with this. You know, from the get-go, from the first concept of this factory, we wanted to make it a net-zero facility. So, you know, the most visible thing we are doing is covering the entire site with solar power. The whole roof of the Gigafactory was designed from the beginning with solar in mind. We kept all of the mechanical equipment off the roof. We didn't put extra, sorta, penetrations through the roof that we didn't need to and it's a very, very clean surface that we can completely cover in solar. But that's not enough solar, though. So we have also gone to the surrounding hillsides that we can't use for other functions and we're adding solar to those."

According to Straubel, the Gigafactory isn't even hooked up to any natural gas pipelines:
  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad)

Quote
"The other interesting thing is we wanted to manage the emissions from the Gigafactory. Solar power can do some of that, but we took kind of a radical move in the beginning and said we are not going to burn any fossil fuels in the factory. You know, zero emissions. We are going to build a zero-emissions factory—just like the car. So, instead of kind of fighting this battle in hindsight, we just said we are not even going to have a natural gas pipeline coming to the factory, so we didn't even build it. And it kind of forced the issue. When you don't have natural gas, you know, none of the engineers can say, 'Oh, but it will be more efficient, let me use just a little bit.' Sorry, we don't even have it."

In December, Tesla and Panasonic launched operations at its Buffalo, New York plant, now dubbed Gigafactory 2. The factory manufactures high-efficiency photovoltaic cells and modules for solar panels and solar glass tiles for Tesla's highly anticipated solar roof.

Tesla's factories are all part of the company's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)

In last year's climate change documentary Before The Flood, Musk takes Leonardo DiCaprio on a tour of Tesla's massive Gigafactory in Nevada. During their chat, the Tesla CEO tells the actor and famed environmentalist that it would only take 100 Gigafactories to transition "the whole world" to sustainable energy.

With at least five Gigafactories in the books, looks like Musk's plans are slowly becoming reality. For what it's worth, even DiCaprio said building one-hundred Gigafactories "sounds manageable."

Lorraine Chow is a reporter for EcoWatch.

http://www.ecowatch.com/new-tesla-gigafactory-2280389543.html

Agelbert NOTE: Fossil Fuel Industry reaction to all the above:   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fwww_MyEmoticons_com__smokelots.gif&hash=094f88de6782c1cd03ed5321b387792046eb3cdd)

Expect the Fossil Fuel Industry TOOLS from Trump (Tillerson, Pruitt et al) to publish "concerns" (for our own good OF COURSE  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-241013183046.jpeg&hash=51c9c4f17e747698c76c65c7c1814eff4f32c400)) over the "potential for the dangerous battery pollution"  ;) from the Gigafactories  to cause "harm to human health and the environment".   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_9HT4xZyDmh4%2FTOHhxzA0wLI%2FAAAAAAAAEUk%2FoeHDS2cfxWQ%2Fs200%2FSmiley_Angel_Wings_Halo.jpg&hash=13281f1944b60773bf12b29387b70be77cc1fe16) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fugly004.gif&hash=c56db4280057389afd154a1cb4057410151579c8)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fquotes.lifehack.org%2Fmedia%2Fquotes%2Fquote-John-D.-Rockefeller-competition-is-a-sin-42310.png&hash=df3d95b1663c8112e1e85dc8ae158724c1b6f949)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 08, 2017, 04:29:13 pm
Eneco and Mitsubishi Corporation construct  largest battery in Europe  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad)

JARDELUND, 06 April 2017

bess

Eneco and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) are going to construct, under the name EnspireME, the largest battery system in Europe. This battery system will be located in Germany and enables the companies to supply sustainable reserve capacity to the European electricity grid. Both parties will also start a pilot project involving the storage of locally produced surplus wind energy.

In connection with the ‘Energiewende’, Germany is a frontrunner in increasing the sustainability of its energy supply. As a result, an increasing number of wind turbines and solar panels are taking over the production of electricity from existing fossil fuel power plants. However, these plants continue to play a role in the form of supplying reserve capacity that is needed to balance the power grid. The battery system will be able to take over the role of primary reserve provider and, thus, forms a sustainable alternative for the backup supplied by coal and gas fired power plants.

Jardelund

Eneco and MC will start the construction of the battery system in the Summer. The battery will be located next to a substation in the municipality of Jardelund in Schleswig-Holstein, close to the border with Denmark. Schleswig-Holstein is one of the leading federal states contributing strongly towards a successful ‘Energiewende’ in Germany. It is the place where electricity generated by large wind farms is collected and transmitted to other parts of Germany.The proximity of the substation has the advantage that the battery can play a role in reducing the regular loss of energy at these stations. Initially, the battery will be used for the primary reserve market, where the German transmission network operators purchase the reserve capacity they require to guarantee the 50 Hertz frequency on the grid.

[Pilot project

With the support of the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Eneco and MC will start a pilot project that will involve the connection of nearby wind farms to the battery system. If there is surplus capacity or an overload on the grid, these wind farms will be able to temporarily supply their electricity output to the battery system. This will not only reduce the load on the grid, but also has a financial advantage as the owners of the wind farms will be able to offer the stored electricity to the market at a more favourable moment.

Energy storage technology

The battery is a Lithium-Ion system of 48 MW and a capacity of over 50 MWh, which corresponds to the average daily energy consumption of over 5.300 German households. The battery system, including the power conversion system and controls, will be supplied and integrated by NEC Energy Solutions, a large energy storage system integrator. It is expected that the battery system will be put into operation at the end of 2017.

Hiroshi Sakuma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mitsubishi Corporation: 'We have been strengthening our activity in the renewable energy field in order to contribute to a low-carbon society. We believe that energy storage will become a key factor, given the circumstance that energy volatility is expanding as the result of the rapid increase of renewable energy. This project is a significant step forward to the realisation of the sustainable society.'

Kees-Jan Rameau, Chief Strategic Growth Officer Eneco Group: 'Although, fortunately, the share of sustainable energy is increasing rapidly, it does pose a challenge for the energy grid. In our view, the solution to this is twofold: smart matching of supply and demand and a combination of small-scale and large-scale energy storage. Last year, we initiated the creation of a network of home batteries for consumers. In collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation, we are now also making significant progress in the area of large-scale sustainable storage. Germany is a frontrunner in green development and, as such, ideal for gaining experience. This step will also provide valuable knowledge that can be applied on the Dutch market.'

https://news.enecogroup.com/eneco-and-mitsubishi-corporation-construct-largest-battery-in-europe/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 11, 2017, 01:50:03 pm
(https://quietkinetic.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/shutterstock_142303630.jpg)
Those bubbles on the seaweed fronds are oxygen produced by these amazing plants. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fearthhug.gif&hash=3abcf70466f34337f2d702ebd9e02c650d5c4c20)

Quote
.. seaweed and other algae takes up 90 percent of all plant life on Earth  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)

Seaweed Could Revolutionize How We Power Our Devices (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)
 

The answer to powering our devices might have been hiding in our sushi all along  ;D. An international team of researchers has used seaweed to create a material that can enhance the performance of superconductors, lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The team, from the U.S., the UK, China and Belgium, came up with the idea to mimic Murray's Law, which is a natural process within the structure of a plant's pores that pumps water or air throughout the plant to provide it energy. With Murray's law, the larger the pore, the less energy expended because the pressure is reduced, but it takes different variations in size to create a balancing act across the body of the plant and maximize energy potential. In seaweed's case, the plant has the perfect pore variation for regulating energy in real world applications.

"The introduction of the concept of Murray's Law to industrial processes could revolutionize the design of reactors with highly enhanced efficiency, minimum energy, time and raw material consumption for a sustainable future," said Bao-Lian Su, professor at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the research.

The scientists made the "Murray material" by embedding an extract of the seaweed into multiple layers of nano-fibers of zinc oxide, which created a hierarchy in the size of the pores. They believe the material can be used on rechargeable batteries, high performance gas sensing technology or even to decompose inorganic material in the oceans. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_0293.gif&hash=b1af4868ed8f18c30e637f8cbcb79002f6f71039)

Seaweed is a fast growing algae that grows in abundance in coastal areas. It is estimated that seaweed and other algae takes up 90 percent of all plant life on Earth, making it a very sustainable plant for energy purposes. The team believes they could safely utilize 20,000 tons of the seaweed extract per year.

The Murray material could improve capacity by 25 times compared to the current graphite-based technology being used in lithium-ion batteries. The pores in the material also allow for a smoother charge/discharge process, improving stability and extending the life of batteries or fuel cells.

"Large scale manufacturability of this porous material is possible," said co-author Tawfique Hasan, also at Cambridge. "Making it an exciting, enabling technology, with potential impact across many applications."

Graphic at link:
 
The zinc nano-fiber embedded with the cells of seaweed - American Chemical Society

http://www.ecowatch.com/seaweed-power-batteries-2353045046.html

Agelbert NOTE: The above research, particularly in regard to pore size and flow rates, is part of the REAL WORLD of thermodynamics that the fossil fuel industry pretends "does no exist" (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_2932.gif&hash=0eaec4791a5825821998245e7fcd7744b56557fe)  in their "heat, beat and treat" brute force approach to energy production. Combusting hydrocarbons is one of the most ruinously polluting ways to produce energy mankind has ever come up with. But since the polluters have been able to dump all the SOCIAL COSTS OF CARBON onto we-the-people while they use their ill gotten profits to CORRUPT our politicians, they just can't let go of their love affair with conscience free polluting for short term profit.     (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191329.bmp&hash=4764bfbe6bb0e11ca61102efa97a932a824f47e0)

There are MANY solutions to our energy problems that continue to be willfully ignored by our government simply because the fossil fuel industry DOESN'T WANT THEM IMPLEMENTED. No, sports fans, it NEVER had absolutely anything to do with ERoEI, energy efficiency or "cheap" energy sources. It's ALWAYS been about controlling the spigot of energy available to the average person so that these fascist, government corrupting polluters can retain political totalitarian power.

Below, please find, just one of the MANY CLEAN ENERGY solutions to the polluting energy onslaught degrading our biosphere.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Finnovatedevelopment.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F04%2Fseaweed_biofuel.gif&hash=0d1ecf7765b0185d310ff5a4e2f875032780c8a9)

The idea is that multiple methods will ensure species survival. It's called putting ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT of polluting fossil fuel eggs in your energy production basket. AND, those hydrocarbons must be obtained cleanly, not through dirty drilling or mining. Only IDIOTS that defend fossil fuels as a "cheap" and "energy dense" energy source are too STUPID and GREEDY to understand that. Have a nice day.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 17, 2017, 06:52:30 pm
Search for the Super Battery - Documentary

https://youtu.be/dTYFecSg1a0

Published on Apr 2, 2017

Agelbert NOTE: They're getting there.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 03, 2017, 07:48:49 pm
(https://www.cleanenergywire.org/sites/all/themes/clew/logo.png)

#Grid #Renewables #Technology

Süddeutsche Zeitung / Die Welt

Safety grid for power

Power grid operator Tennet and household power storage provider Sonnen plan to use a network of small-scale batteries to help reduce costs caused by grid bottlenecks between Germany’s windy North and the power-hungry South, reports Michael Bauchmüller in Süddeutsche Zeitung. “We want to integrate renewable power in the best possible way,” Tennet board chair Urban Keussen told the newspaper.
Quote
“We can manage that not only with copper, but also with intelligence.”
Sonnen managing director Philipp Schröder said that in a first stage, 6,000 batteries would be used to optimise the power grid. Households making their batteries available for the project, which will use blockchain encryption technology, will receive free power, according to the article. Keussen told newspaper Die Welt the use of blockchain was “the first step into a new energy world.”

Find background in the CLEW factsheet Re-dispatch costs in the German power grid.

 

#Grid #Renewables #Technology

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Power grid revolution

The use of batteries to level out intermittent solar and wind generation in the Tennet and Sonnen project shows that “the Energiewende is making progress,” writes Andreas Mihm in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “New offshore wind parks have been approved recently without a cent of eco power support, and now there is evidence for a revolution in the German power grid. For the first time, a grid operator will get access to thousands of small decentralised power storages all over Germany.

For background on the offshore auction, read the CLEW article Operators to build offshore wind farms without support payments.




#Grid #Society

dpa / Welt Online

Transmission highway SuedLink enters next stage

The preparation procedure for building Germany’s high-voltage transmission highway SuedLink has entered a crucial stage, news agency dpa reports in an article carried by Welt Online. Following submission of the sectoral planning application for SuedLink’s last segment in the southern federal state of Baden-Württemberg, German federal grid agency BNetzA can now start the formal approval procedure for the 800-kilometre-long power line meant to transfer electricity from Germany’s windy north to industrial centres in the south, the article says.
 
In a separate article on Welt Online, dpa reports that about 3,000 people forming a human chain in the central German state of Thuringia protested against SuedLink’s construction. The transmission highway made the federal state the “pack animal” of German energy policy, protesters lamented according to the article.

For more information, read the CLEW news digest entry Merkel on grid expansion: “We’re behind it at all levels”.

https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/blockchain-battery-revolution-diesel-drivers-ponder-switch
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 09, 2017, 01:52:54 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

US Energy Storage Caucus Launched to Educate Congress
   

May 9, 2017  By Renewable Energy World Editors        energy storage
 
U.S. Reps. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) :o  ;D and Mark Takano (D-Calif.) yesterday launched the Advanced Energy Storage Caucus in Congress to educate Members of Congress regarding the benefits of storage to the U.S. electric system and investigate ways to accelerate job growth and investment in U.S. advanced energy storage industries.

The Energy Storage Association (ESA) said that Collins and Takano were joined for the launch by executives from leading utilities, developers, and manufacturers of storage technologies, including AES Energy Storage, S&C Electric, Stem Inc., and National Grid.

In addition, the caucus will periodically brief members of Congress on how energy storage is reshaping the way electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed, and how policy can remove impediments to greater use of battery storage.

"We need bipartisan solutions to help address our aging energy infrastructure," Collins said in a statement. “Energy storage technology will grow our economy and make sure American businesses can compete around the globe.”

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/05/new-us-energy-storage-caucus-seeks-to-educate-congress.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 09, 2017, 02:22:05 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

New Virginia Law Expands Solar Energy Development Authority to Include Energy Storage (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)
   
May 9, 2017

By Renewable Energy World Editors     solar
 
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe yesterday signed a bill authorizing the expansion of the state’s Solar Energy Development Authority to include energy storage.

The legislation is part of a series of bills signed by McAuliffe that promote wind, solar and energy storage technologies. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)

SB 1258, introduced by Sen. Adam Ebbin, expands the purpose of the new Solar Energy and Battery Storage Development Authority to include positioning the state as a leader in research, development, commercialization, manufacturing, and deployment of energy storage technology.

The powers of the authority are expanded to include

•Promoting collaborative efforts among Virginia's public and private institutions of higher education in research, development, and commercialization efforts related to energy storage,

•Monitoring relevant developments nationally and globally,

•Identifying and working with the state’s industries and nonprofit partners.

In addition, the measure expands the size of the authority 11 to 15 members.

“Today, I am honored to sign these bills into law, furthering the great work we’re doing to support and promote the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth,” McAuliffe said at the bill signing ceremony, according to the governor’s office. “It is clear that Virginia is moving in the right direction, especially with the recent announcement of record growth in our solar industry, but there is still work to do.  Together, with our partners in the General Assembly and the private sector, I will continue to implement policies that bolster the entire clean energy industry in the Commonwealth.”
 
The governor’s office said that other bills pertaining to renewables that were signed by McAuliffe yesterday include:

•SB 1393, which creates a path for the development of community solar programs in the service territories of Appalachian Power Company (ApCo), Dominion, and the Electric Cooperatives.  Each utility will develop its own territory-specific program that allows citizens and businesses the ability to “subscribe” to receive electricity generated by a small centrally-located solar generation system.

•SB 1394 and HB 2303, which are identical bills, create a Small Agricultural Generators Program — a new framework for the generation of renewable energy at agricultural facilities and how that energy can be sold to utilities.

•SB 1395 increases the allowable maximum size of renewable projects to be eligible to be permitted through the state’s Permit by Rule (PBR) process from 100 MW to 125 MW.  These projects are exempt from environmental review and permitting by the State Corporation Commission. SB 1395 also exempts projects that are being built for use by a single customer of a utility from having to apply for and receive a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the SCC.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/05/new-virginia-law-expands-solar-energy-development-authority-to-include-energy-storage.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 11, 2017, 01:45:34 pm
California: 'We Are Just Getting Started'   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fmuscular.gif&hash=1ebeafc0e4589b9d38ab66d37aa940d757e830e9)

   

May 11, 2017

By Jason Deign      energy storage

If you thought California’s lead as an energy storage market might fade in the face of upstarts such as Australia or Germany, then think again. Recent moves might see new gigawatts of capacity being installed across the state by 2020.

 The most significant development was the recent reopening of California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) with more than US$448m in funding dedicated to energy storage.

The cash, 79 percent of an almost $567m funding package available through 2019, is expected to create a surge in behind-the-meter energy storage deployments across the state.

Most of the storage budget is aimed at what the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) calls ‘large-scale storage,’ or systems of more than 10 kW. But 13 percent, or just over $57m, will be for residential installations.

“The incentive level for energy storage systems larger than 10 kW that do not take the investment tax credit (ITC) and all residential systems 10 kW and smaller will be set at 50 cents/watt-hour,” says the CPUC on its website.

Projects That Are Larger than 10 kW

“Projects that are larger than 10 kW and take the ITC will have a lower initial incentive rate of 36 cents/watt-hour.
 
“We expect that demand will exceed the amount of funding for incentives at that level very quickly, and we therefore expect incentive levels to decrease by 10 cents/watt-hour shortly after SGIP reopens.”

The new SGIP will act in addition to a provision for behind-the-meter storage that already exists within the Assembly Bill 2514 (AB 2514) mandate that has powered deployments in California so far.

The AB 2514 provision is for 200 MW of capacity, to be procured by 2020 and installed by 2024.

But the SGIP, which had its budget doubled under legislation agreed last year, “is going to blow it out of the water,” said Janice Lin, founder and executive director of the California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA).

Instrumental In Getting the SGIP to Focus on Storage

CESA was instrumental in getting the CPUC to focus the SGIP on storage, she told Energy Storage Report. Originally the program had been solely dedicated to demand response, she said.

Behind-the-meter deployments are also being boosted in California by AB 2868. This last year directed the CPUC to get the state’s three largest electrical utilities to “accelerate widespread deployment of distributed energy storage.”

In practice this will add up to 500 MW more of capacity to the system, up to 25 percent of which could be behind the meter. “We’re waiting for those utility applications,” Lin said.

On top of that, AB 2514, which is a biennial procurement program, is set to continue and is expected to mandate further utility deployments in future. But it doesn’t stop there.

This legislative session has seen no fewer than three bills emerge in the last fortnight that could each add significant further energy storage capacity to the California electricity system.

Procuring 120 MW of Energy Storage Capacity

One is a Senate Bill, SB 801, which requires the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison to procure 100 MW and 20 MW, respectively, of energy storage capacity.

The procurement has been put forward on an emergency basis to reduce the impact of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage failure.

Finally, two other bills, SB 338 and AB 1405, aim to address California’s clean peak energy problem, commonly known as the duck curve. “The neck of the duck is the most challenging portion of our net load,” explained Lin.

And it’s getting worse. This month the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) “is expected to release a new animal,” she said. “What I’ve heard from CAISO is the ramp of the new duck is shocking. The neck is huge.”

CAISO now sees storage as a key tool for dealing with challenges such as the duck curve and Aliso Canyon, she said.

If Clean Peak Energy Bills Are Implemented

If the clean peak energy bills are implemented it is unclear how much extra energy storage capacity they might add since other measures, such as demand response, might form part of any eventual package.

However, CESA roughly calculates that it could amount to “hundreds of megawatts of storage,” said Lin. “The fundamental underlying trends are very solid for storage.

“Storage is a very helpful enabler to more and more clean energy in our mix,” she said. “There is a lot going on in California right now. While California has been trailblazing, in some ways we are just getting started.”

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/05/california-we-are-just-getting-started.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 11, 2017, 07:48:53 pm
Solid State Batteries For Electric Cars: A New Breakthrough By The Father of the Lithium-Ion Battery

https://youtu.be/yu3cpICjCKw

Published on Mar 1, 2017

At 94 years old, Professor John Goodenough (the co-inventor of the modern lithium-ion battery) from the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and his colleague Maria Helena Braga have announced a brand-new solid state battery that could seriously change the way we think about electric vehicle battery packs.

Here's why we think you should pay attention to this news -- and what this new breakthrough could mean for future electric cars.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 16, 2017, 02:43:53 pm
Vehicle-To-Grid Discharge, Even At Constant Power, Is Detrimental To EV Battery Performance, Study Finds  :(

May 16th, 2017 by James Ayre

SNIPPET:

There have long been critics of the idea of widespread use of electric vehicle (EV) vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies for a variety of reasons, but largely in relation to the potential damage done to EV batteries, and thus reduced battery lifespan.

New research from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa seems to clearly support this assertion — the extra cycling that accompanies use of an EV battery for grid balancing, even when at constant power, reduces EV battery cell performance significantly.

To be more specific, the use of an EV with V2G tech could reduce the working lifespan of an EV battery pack to under 5 years time, according to the new work.  :(  :P

The researchers note, though, that simply delaying the charging of EVs as a means of balancing the grid would have only a “negligible” effect on EV batteries, and could thus represent a better option. However, this could prove to not be the case in environments warmer than “room temperature.”

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/05/V2G-battery-degradation.png)
V2G Battery Degradation

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)
https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/16/vehicle-grid-discharge-even-constant-power-detrimental-ev-battery-performance-study-finds/ (https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/16/vehicle-grid-discharge-even-constant-power-detrimental-ev-battery-performance-study-finds/)

Agelbert COMMENT: Well, provided this is true, EV car manufacturers should use common sense and join with electric Utilities to offer EV car buyers a 10 year guarantee, WITHOUT ANY ADDED CHARGES, for replacing the used battery pack with a new one. I make the caveat about "no added charges" because the fun and games on the average lead acid battery "guarantee" is, and always was, a rip off.

Avoiding peaking costs is well worth the 10 year battery pack guarantee. In fact, if we had a sane government, they would REMOVE all the fossil fuel "subsidies" and, instead provide EV battery pack 10 year guarantee subsidies as a matter of National Security grid stability.

But common sense and logic in regard to renewable energy is rather difficult for the United Petro-States of America. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fgaah.gif&hash=e43fa6be4258ba495007b2bbb3e7dd2f60288fcd)



Fossil fueler shows up with the old "not ready for prime time" baloney disguised as prudent advice: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-311013200859.png&hash=a7aaaa9f04c1e3e2c948723b5f8c13fe814dacd4)

wattleberry  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_9HT4xZyDmh4%2FTOHhxzA0wLI%2FAAAAAAAAEUk%2FoeHDS2cfxWQ%2Fs200%2FSmiley_Angel_Wings_Halo.jpg&hash=13281f1944b60773bf12b29387b70be77cc1fe16)

A useful warning to users of today's batteries but of limited relevance to their successors which, if anything, will be encouraged by the disclosure of another flaw awaiting correction in a key component of a product which is still at a very early stage of evolution.

agelbert > wattleberry  

Like what, the tendrils that grow and short them? We know about that. The battery development is quite mature, thank you very much. It's the fossil fuel polluting machine called an internal combustion engine that never got past the profit over people and planet stage. Gas stations will soon go the way of the dodo bird too.

The only issue with batteries of any significance that needs improvement is rapid replacement technology. We NOW have access to electricity in FAR more places than we have access to gasoline. All we need is a small "spare" battery pack that can take us home or too a quick pack replacement location nearby if our main battery pack fails.


eveee  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)

 
This discussion needs more clarity. People are defining whats better in odd ways. How do we define it? By how much the EV owner saves in retail electricity costs vs how much the value of the car is reduced by battery degeneration?

I tend to feel V2G doesn't make sense, because a car is not just a battery. However, when the battery is used more, the value of the car reduces.

If you want V2G, get a PowerWall instead. Then you are only reducing the value of the PowerWall, not the car.

A PowerWall is 6500. A Model S is > 65000. 10x.

Now on the other hand, we are only looking at one storage scenario, load shifting.

Already, California is starting a demand response program that pays users not to use electricity during peaks and allow the utility to dial back demand when it needs to.

That is an area for an EV owner to benefit by allowing charging to be controlled or timed to miss expensive peak demand times. That makes total sense. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desismileys.com%2Fsmileys%2Fdesismileys_0293.gif&hash=b1af4868ed8f18c30e637f8cbcb79002f6f71039)

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 22, 2017, 02:12:24 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

Listen Up: What Home Owners Need To Know About Battery Storage Systems  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)
 

May 22, 2017

Since the sun does not shine at night we need a way to store daytime-generated solar energy. Net metering is an elegant and 100% efficient way to shift excess solar power, but that system will not work at high solar penetration levels. Never mind the fact that utilities are loath to allow their customers to generate electricity for less than it costs them to deliver this power.

As a result, battery storage is on the minds of almost all new solar customers. Storage technology, incentives, favorable electric rates and control software are all evolving rapidly. There are currently about a dozen companies with battery storage systems designed for use with rooftop solar. Like peanut butter and chocolate, many solar companies are starting to offer battery storage systems along with their solar systems.

My advice is to proceed with caution. Even though off-grid battery storage systems have been available for years, we are at the very early stages of grid-tied solar combined with battery storage. From a hardware standpoint, battery storage costs are plummeting, and new inverters/charge controllers are being developed. Perhaps more importantly, software that will efficiently interact with solar, batteries, the grid and your home energy consumption still has limited functionality. For more about the practicalities of home battery storage, Listen Up to this week’s Energy Show on Renewable Energy World.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funny-emoticons.com%2Ffiles%2Ffunny-animals%2Fblue-bird-emoticons%2F801-listen-up%21.png&hash=f7fb2b5263a68b91c628fc597877983f813843e5)


http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/05/what-home-owners-need-to-know-about-battery-storage-systems.html

About the Energy Show


As energy costs consume more and more of our hard-earned dollars, we as consumers really start to pay attention. But we don't have to resign ourselves to $5/gallon gas prices, $200/month electric bills and $500 heating bills. There are literally hundreds of products, tricks and techniques that we can use to dramatically reduce these costs — very affordably.

The Energy Show on Renewable Energy World is a weekly 20-minute podcast that provides tips and advice to reduce your home and business energy consumption. Every week we'll cover topics that will help cut your energy bill, explain new products and technologies in plain English, and cut through the hype so that you can make smart and cost-effective energy choices.

About Your Host

Barry Cinnamon is a long-time advocate of renewable energy and is a widely recognized solar power expert. In 2001 he founded Akeena Solar — which grew to become the largest national residential solar installer by the middle of the last decade with over 10,000 rooftop customers coast to coast. He partnered with Westinghouse to create Westinghouse Solar in 2010, and sold the company in 2012.

His pioneering work on reducing costs of rooftop solar power systems include Andalay, the first solar panel with integrated racking, grounding and wiring; the first UL listed AC solar panel; and the first fully “plug and play” AC solar panel. His current efforts are focused on reducing the soft costs for solar power systems, which cause system prices in the U.S. to be double those of Germany.

Although Barry may be known for his outspoken work in the solar industry, he has hands-on experience with a wide range of energy saving technologies.  He's been doing residential energy audits since the punch card days, developed one of the first ground-source heat pumps in the early ‘80s, and always abides by the Laws of Thermodynamics.  ;D



Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 06, 2017, 11:00:34 pm
Big batteries can store power when the sun doesn't shine

Lloyd Alter (@lloydalter) Energy / Renewable Energy June 5, 2017
pumped storage
© Andrew Roberts/ New York Times

SNIPPET:

What is the difference between a battery and a power source? It is sometimes hard to distinguish. If you build a dam and capture the energy of falling water, it is considered power generation from a power source, namely gravity. But if you pump water up a hill and store it behind a dam until you need it, that's acting as a battery; it is not making energy, it is just storing it. It is a really important distinction; it is one of the reasons we are not fans of hydrogen, considering it more a battery than a fuel.

Diane Cardwell of The New York Times writes about The Biggest, Strangest "Batteries" and explains how really, anything that can store energy and release it later is a battery.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)

Full article:

https://www.treehugger.com/renewable-energy/big-batteries-can-store-power-when-sun-doesnt-shine.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on July 09, 2017, 02:29:22 pm
Tesla Wins Contract for South Australia Energy Storage Project  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)

July 7, 2017

By Perry Williams, Bloomberg

SNIPPET:

Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. has won a tender to supply what the billionaire says is the world’s largest lithium-ion battery to back up the state of South Australia’s blackout-plagued power grid, making good on a promise first made over Twitter four months ago to help solve the state’s energy woes.

Tesla will provide 100 MW of storage by Dec. 1, pairing it with a wind farm at Hornsdale north of Adelaide operated by France’s Neoen, according to a statement on Friday from South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill. The system, which will have capacity of 129 MWh, will provide enough power for more than 30,000 homes, Tesla said in a separate statement.

We’re talking about something that’s three times as powerful as the next biggest battery installation in the world,” Musk told reporters in Adelaide.

Musk had previously promised to build the system and get it working within 100 days of a contract being signed or Tesla would provide it free, a vow he backed up on Friday.

Quote

“We actually insisted when doing the contract that we be held to the 100 days or it’s free,” Musk said. “That’s what we said publicly, that’s what we’re going to do.” (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F47b20s0.gif&hash=cc48c9af9d29b8836023c7db21103e52d1ed439e)

full article:
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/07/tesla-wins-contract-for-south-australia-energy-storage-project.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 07, 2017, 12:40:13 pm
(https://www.electrical4u.com/electrical/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Parthian-Battery.jpg)

Quote
In the year of 1936 during the middle of summer, an ancient tomb was discovered during construction of a new railway line near Bagdad city in Iraq. The relics found in that tomb were about 2000 years old. Among these relics, there were some clay jars or vessels which were sealed at the top with pitch. An iron rod, surrounded by a cylindrical tube made of wrapped copper sheet was projected out from this sealed top.

When these pots were filled with an acidic liquid, they produced a potential difference of around 2 volts between the iron and copper. These clay jars are suspected to be 2000 year old battery cells.

https://www.electrical4u.com/battery-history-and-working-principle-of-batteries/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 07, 2017, 02:22:53 pm
(https://www.electrical4u.com/electrical/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Parthian-Battery.jpg)

Quote
In the year of 1936 during the middle of summer, an ancient tomb was discovered during construction of a new railway line near Bagdad city in Iraq. The relics found in that tomb were about 2000 years old. Among these relics, there were some clay jars or vessels which were sealed at the top with pitch. An iron rod, surrounded by a cylindrical tube made of wrapped copper sheet was projected out from this sealed top.

When these pots were filled with an acidic liquid, they produced a potential difference of around 2 volts between the iron and copper. These clay jars are suspected to be 2000 year old battery cells.

https://www.electrical4u.com/battery-history-and-working-principle-of-batteries/ (https://www.electrical4u.com/battery-history-and-working-principle-of-batteries/)

This area of investigation has always fascinated me. We are ever-so-smug in our presentism, that the ancients were a bunch of ignorant rubes, but there are enough discoveries found in the wrong place to indicate that we are wrong.

And then of course is the question of where the knowledge came from
.

 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clker.com%2Fcliparts%2Fc%2F8%2Ff%2F8%2F11949865511933397169thumbs_up_nathan_eady_01.svg.hi.png&hash=599691109af22b33f1d59dd61eb97448a9427020)

Yep. Your observation has some very important nuggets of wisdom that most people do not even begin to undertand, never mind taking to heart in order to realize how delibertely dumbed down our society is.

The most important part of your obervation is the fact that people are indoctrinated to BE smug about our incredibly, STUPID, suicidally destructive society.

Smugness breeds the overcondence that always precedes dumb, and sometines trajic, errors in judgement.

We don't need to go back to ancient times to see that at work now. Tesla made it quite clear in the early 20th century that we DID NOT NEED to use fossil fuels for ANYTHING because energy was plentiful. But ignorant, brain washed people claim cheap, clean energy, especially those who have eaten the happy talk for the fossil fuel liars and crooks, as advocated by Nikola Tesla (and Thomas Edison too, by the way) is a "pipe dream".  ::)

Smug, brain washed people that actually believe the BALONEY that we "owe" our standard of living to our "loyal servants, the fossil fuel industry", when there is NO QUESTION that the microscope (and the discovery of germs that cause disease) is the REAL REASON for the human population explosion, will continue to wallow in their stupidity until it is too late. Personal hygiene is the CAUSE of the human population explosion, not the fossil fuel based "economy".

The ancients certainly were not ignorant rubes. Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison weren't rubes either.

(https://streetdemocracy.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/945572_460379020720415_819738100_n.jpg)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcutelovequotesforher.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F12%2FNikola-Tesla-Quotes-with-Photos.jpg&hash=9ee5be8ffc38ed4b56472b1e2f249bce97a9a08c)

Before Edison said the following, he had gone on record over a decade earlier clearly stating that hydrocarbon fuels for internal combustion engines were INFERIOR to ethanol BECAUSE of all the waste heat and resultant added engine wear. Ethanol only engines would be TWO THIRDS lighter than hydrocarbon powered engines because ethanol runs cool (because it carries it's own oxygen with it causing TOTALLY EVEN BURNING), as well as being renewable and polluting less. And it is also propaganda mendacity out there that claims we would "cut into world food supply by growing ethanol crops".   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Ftissue.gif&hash=f8d05db8e11569882e0effbdd719e2b2e95c6785)(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fshame.gif&hash=88b5b0c8644862ef4930e3c7e3556db6c3bf600f)

But telling bold face crocodile tear laden lies has never stopped the brain washers that so many here smugly worship.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fgen152.gif&hash=d5b10968fe56c4cb95fae17cee3cb420a5f4e2da)
 
(https://d3pcsg2wjq9izr.cloudfront.net/files/40866/images/Edison-solar-energy.jpg)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 07, 2017, 05:22:10 pm
Agelbert NOTE: The payback on this new super-capacitor is about nine years. Some will claim that is too much. Those who do are ignorant fools who do not GET the fact that COST of using fossil fuels is the Sixth Mass Extinction. You CANNOT EVER GET ANY "PAY BACK" FROM fossil fuel and nuclear POLLUTING ENERGY SOURCES!

It is amazing how STUPID people can be when they irrationally cling to the unsustainable fossil fuel powered status quo. The product below is NOT "pie in the energy sky". They are manufacturing it NOW. It WORKS in tiny devices and in scale all the way to an electric bus and even utility level storage solutions.

Consequently, this super-cap will be fought TOOTH AND NAIL by the fossil fuelers because it DESTROYS all their Renewable Energy electric powered device hand wringing about "slow charging times". Yes, you will probably need to "fill your tank" with charge more often than filling your gasoline tank. But this small inconvenience is justified considering you DO NOT EVER POLLUTE and can recharge in 30 SECONDS. IOW, you can stop for a cup of coffee or a bathroom break and keep going as FAR AS YOU WANT TO GO.

NO MORE "range anxiety" on EVs means the DEATH of hydrocarbon fueled polluting engines for transportation. GOOD!

This super-cap technology IS NOT "ten years away", as some IDIOT(s) may try to claim here. But, it may be delayed by fossil fuel loving CROOKS AND LIARS that corrupt and pollute the US Government and our country. So, Europe and china will probably be using this technology for EVs much sooner than the backward banana republic called the USA. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.zaazu.com%2Fimg%2FIncredible-Hulk-animated-animation-male-smiley-emoticon-000342-large.gif&hash=db736c8c06568f1aa878171ad53d1f0301cfdff2)

The Fuel Tank of Tomorrow - A Super Capacitor?  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)

https://youtu.be/3K8JIC-ov_Y

Viodi

Published on Dec 9, 2016

KiloWatt Labs CEO Omer Ghani explains in the above interview, filmed at the IDTechEX Show!, that his company has overcome these challenges and has begun shipping large-scale, super capacitor-based energy storage solutions for applications such as microgrid, renewable, utility and mobility. He indicates their solution is a cost-competitive replacement for traditional battery approaches,

Read more at: http://www.viodi.tv/2016/12/09/the-fu...
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 07, 2017, 08:05:34 pm
Agelbert NOTE: If this genius inventor, Lonnie Johnon (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.haleakalasolar.com%2Fimages%2Findex-infobox2.jpg&hash=c49806321315171df0f26c7f0f47adb61cf632eb), had been given the funding he needs, we would no longer have ANY fossil fuel use in our WORLD, not just our country. And that is probably why (this talk is THREE YEARS OLD!) he has had so much difficulty obtaining the multi-million dollar funding he needs to mass produce and market his engine (already recognized as the most efficient engine ever invented!) and battery technology inventions. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-120716190938.png&hash=01feab1c7345a4e98764e0f9d24b2d69171b93c2)

Revolutionary designs for energy alternatives: Lonnie Johnson at TEDxAtlanta

https://youtu.be/9y39WNUdbkM

TEDx Talks

Published on Jun 3, 2014

Through a combination of scientific establishment and independent inventor credentials, Lonnie Johnson is creating green technologies that will revolutionize our approach to energy solutions.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

(https://s-media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/34/5a/bd/345abd7f66737d31656fefb4b088195a.jpg)

The Fossil Fuelers DID THE Clean Energy  Inventions suppressing, Climate Trashing, human health depleting CRIME,   but since they have ALWAYS BEEN liars and conscience free crooks, they are trying to AVOID   DOING THE TIME or     PAYING THE FINE!     Don't let them get away with it! Pass it on!    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F176.gif&hash=121533221905789c6b8d57a9603883266d349266)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 08, 2017, 01:29:37 pm
Agelbert NOTE: The payback on this new super-capacitor is about nine years. Some will claim that is too much. Those who do are ignorant fools who do not GET the fact that COST of using fossil fuels is the Sixth Mass Extinction. You CANNOT EVER GET ANY "PAY BACK" FROM fossil fuel and nuclear POLLUTING ENERGY SOURCES!

It is amazing how STUPID people can be when they irrationally cling to the unsustainable fossil fuel powered status quo. The product below is NOT "pie in the energy sky". They are manufacturing it NOW. It WORKS in tiny devices and in scale all the way to an electric bus and even utility level storage solutions.

Consequently, this super-cap will be fought TOOTH AND NAIL by the fossil fuelers because it DESTROYS all their Renewable Energy electric powered device hand wringing about "slow charging times". Yes, you will probably need to "fill your tank" with charge more often than filling your gasoline tank. But this small inconvenience is justified considering you DO NOT EVER POLLUTE and can recharge in 30 SECONDS. IOW, you can stop for a cup of coffee or a bathroom break and keep going as FAR AS YOU WANT TO GO.

NO MORE "range anxiety" on EVs means the DEATH of hydrocarbon fueled polluting engines for transportation. GOOD!

This super-cap technology IS NOT "ten years away", as some IDIOT(s) may try to claim here. But, it may be delayed by fossil fuel loving CROOKS AND LIARS that corrupt and pollute the US Government and our country. So, Europe and China will probably be using this technology for EVs much sooner than the backward banana republic called the USA. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.zaazu.com%2Fimg%2FIncredible-Hulk-animated-animation-male-smiley-emoticon-000342-large.gif&hash=db736c8c06568f1aa878171ad53d1f0301cfdff2)

The Fuel Tank of Tomorrow - A Super Capacitor?  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)

https://youtu.be/3K8JIC-ov_Y

Viodi

Published on Dec 9, 2016

KiloWatt Labs CEO Omer Ghani explains in the above interview, filmed at the IDTechEX Show!, that his company has overcome these challenges and has begun shipping large-scale, super capacitor-based energy storage solutions for applications such as microgrid, renewable, utility and mobility. He indicates their solution is a cost-competitive replacement for traditional battery approaches,

Read more at: http://www.viodi.tv/2016/12/09/the-fu... (http://www.viodi.tv/2016/12/09/the-fu...)
The super capacitors have real potential. It will be interesting to watch them roll out and see where they go.  The arrays on off grid systems are getting larger all the time faster then the battery banks   the super caps might be a good bridge between the fast changing solar availability and the batteries slow take up of charge.
Interesting times.


True. Notice what KiloWatt Labs CEO Omer Ghani said in the video after explaining, step by step, that they had ALREADY overcome the super-cap rapid discharge problems along with obtaining lithium ion batttery energy density compatibility without the high lithium ion price:
Quote
"We have to get people to believe us."  :o

Omer Ghani has the product, has the evidence that the product works and is cheaper than lithium ion battery technology at the same or greater energy density, YET, they have trouble getting people to believe them! THAT is prima facie evidence of how incredibly brain washed our society has become (at the level of ENGINEERS!), to the point where they take as "thermodynamics gospel" the biosphere math challenged ERoEI double talk (happy talk for fosssil fuels and "it's just too costly" for clean energy sources), published for the last half century BY THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY (Yep, THEY put those numbers, including thermodynamics and fluid mechanics assumptions, in the engineering textbooks! Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute has proven by experimentation that a lot of those numbers are WRONG!), as the "standard" for credibility and doability. 
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc06.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2009%2F347%2F2%2F6%2FWTF_Smiley_face_by_IveWasHere.jpg&hash=8ca673f8cf785d9dac626f9fd91e37a1a318c7ac)

No wonder it is so hard to get out of the death grip of the fossil fuel industry destructive influence on our biosphere and democracy. The idiots smokin' the fossil fuel baloney accuse everybody advocating new inventions that enhance clean energy use of "pipe dreams" or "smokin' somethin'". Ridicule is the FIRST tool used to to try to defend the unsustainable status quo. The ERoEI polluting energy sources happy talk comes next. The fossil Fuel Industry century of propaganda BULLSHIT has worked. Let us hope more people wake up to the stupidity of believing absolutely anything coming from the polluters. We are all dead if we do not destroy the fossil fuel industry VERY, VERY soon.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 10, 2017, 02:53:58 pm
Agelbert NOTE: Israel has finally demonstrated a tremendous capacity for the obvious.  ;) ;D  I mean, DUH, it's hotter than a pistol over there with SUN, SUN and MORE SUN baking the stuffing out of the plant life, the animals, the bugs and the people for at least the last 2,000 YEARS and more. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl3.glitter-graphics.net%2Fpub%2F465%2F465823jzy0y15obs.gif&hash=797efc3cdc025a8263ef125725aae969446489c3) Pumped storage is the ultimate low maintenace cost, base load level, INSTANT on demand, Renewable Energy Storage medium. And putting a water surface where there is a lot of desert increases the relative humidity in the surrounding area, thereby aiding in plant life proliferation and desert greening. Yeah, I know, who coulda knowd?(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-030817202100.gif&hash=945ff8755d52c0782cfbf4768dea2118b5acb235) 

It has never ceased to amaze me how so many gooberments all over the world can "justify" taxing we-the-people to build pipelines hundreds of miles long to move hydrocarbon CRAP from here to there, over ALL KINDS of terrain, but somehow never seem to be been able to DO THAT with ocean OR fresh water UPHILL (except for the extremely short pipes right next to dams that have some minuscule pumped storage equipment).  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fgen152.gif&hash=d5b10968fe56c4cb95fae17cee3cb420a5f4e2da) The fossil fuel industry will indignantly claim they pay to build the pipelines, not the gooberment. That is a very clever LIE. In 1987 our fossil fuel gooberment gave the lie to that half truth, but most people, OF COURSE, are not aware of that, thanks to all that "SILENCE" from the mainstream media. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-311013200859.png&hash=a7aaaa9f04c1e3e2c948723b5f8c13fe814dacd4)

Better late than never, I suppose.

GE To Build 344 Megawatt Kokhav Hayarden Hydro Pumped Storage Station In Israel

August 10th, 2017 by Joshua S Hill

SNIPPET:

GE Renewable Energy has landed the contract to supply and build the 344-megawatt Kokhav Hayarden hydro pumped storage station in Israel, which is expected to help stabilize the country’s electricity grid.
(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/08/GE-Hydro-1.jpg)

On Tuesday, GE Renewable Energy revealed that it had booked a turnkey contract with Israeli utility Star Pumped Storage, in which GE will design, manufacture, supply, and install all the necessary electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical equipment for the 344 MW (megawatt) Kokhav Hayarden hydro pumped storage station. GE will also complete a balance of plant for the two 172 MW pumped-storage units, as well as provide 20 years of operation and maintenance for the project.

The Kokhav Hayarden project will see development take 52 months, and involve the construction of two reservoirs, and is expected to be commissioned in 2021.

FULL ARTICLE:

https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/10/ge-build-israeli-344-mw-kokhav-hayarden-hydro-pumped-storage-station/

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 21, 2017, 03:09:16 pm
(https://3.imimg.com/data3/RS/RP/MY-4202483/crystal-clear-ice-slabs-500x500.jpg)
ICE made with excess Renewable Energy (or during off peak hours) is an excellent "energy battery" to provide cooling during hot temperatures.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F8.gif&hash=c1d98e606d7f558df4040f88e7997b3e11e9448c)


“Ice Battery” Technology Set To Cool Australian Homes & Cut Peak Power Demand

August 21st, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Originally published on RenewEconomy.

By Sophie Vorrath

SNIPPET:

US-made thermal “ice battery” energy storage technology that could dramatically change the way people cool their homes in summer – potentially cutting household peak power consumption by up to 95% – is poised to take on the Australian market, through a distribution deal with local solar hot water company Apricus.

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/08/Ice-Energy.jpg)

California-based Ice Energy inked an agreement, in June, making the Melbourne-based Apricus the exclusive distributor of all its thermal energy storage products in Australia, covering all market segments, including utilities, commercial and industrial, and residential.

The company is best-known for its commercial and industrial Ice Bear technology, which works alongside air conditioning units by freezing water at off-peak periods, or when excess solar or wind power is available, and using the “ice battery” to provide power-free cooling during on-peak periods.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)


Full article:    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060914180936.jpeg&hash=5e39d70fafe4e7190a6eebce34b740c58721de3f)


https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/21/ice-battery-technology-set-cool-australian-homes-cut-peak-power-demand/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 21, 2017, 11:57:45 pm
(https://3.imimg.com/data3/RS/RP/MY-4202483/crystal-clear-ice-slabs-500x500.jpg)
ICE made with excess Renewable Energy (or during off peak hours) is an excellent "energy battery" to provide cooling during hot temperatures.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F128fs318181.gif&hash=eff6d5f3831782966c2ff2081f07bf7fc5b22a6b)  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F8.gif&hash=c1d98e606d7f558df4040f88e7997b3e11e9448c)


“Ice Battery” Technology Set To Cool Australian Homes & Cut Peak Power Demand

August 21st, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Originally published on RenewEconomy.

By Sophie Vorrath

SNIPPET:

US-made thermal “ice battery” energy storage technology that could dramatically change the way people cool their homes in summer – potentially cutting household peak power consumption by up to 95% – is poised to take on the Australian market, through a distribution deal with local solar hot water company Apricus.

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/08/Ice-Energy.jpg)

California-based Ice Energy inked an agreement, in June, making the Melbourne-based Apricus the exclusive distributor of all its thermal energy storage products in Australia, covering all market segments, including utilities, commercial and industrial, and residential.

The company is best-known for its commercial and industrial Ice Bear technology, which works alongside air conditioning units by freezing water at off-peak periods, or when excess solar or wind power is available, and using the “ice battery” to provide power-free cooling during on-peak periods.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)


Full article:    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060914180936.jpeg&hash=5e39d70fafe4e7190a6eebce34b740c58721de3f)


https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/21/ice-battery-technology-set-cool-australian-homes-cut-peak-power-demand/


It's a great idea. Storage is still our Achilles heel for renewables.  Off grid especially.  The arrays are getting bigger and bigger with no way of using mid summer peak production.  The industry is also playing with electric hot water for summer use.  Gas in winter.  They are are all batteries really.
Cheers,  David B


Yep!   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.123rf.com%2F400wm%2F400%2F400%2Fyayayoy%2Fyayayoy1106%2Fyayayoy110600019%2F9735563-smiling-sun-showing-thumb-up.jpg&hash=09b45642ec6d7943d30b5b87548676e3ee7dbe3d)








 
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 29, 2017, 04:21:41 pm
Diamonds Are A Battery’s Best Friend — Potential Lithium-Ion Battery Breakthrough

August 28th, 2017 by Steve Hanley

SNIPPET:

Dendrites are the enemy of lithium-ion batteries. As ions transfer back and forth between the anode and the cathode in those batteries, they can leave behind tendril-like buildups called dendrites. Similar to stalactites that form inside a cave, these battery buildups (dendrites) are one of the main causes of lithium battery malfunction.

Lithium is the ideal material for cathodes in terms of energy storage potential, but pure lithium cathodes suffer from significant dendrite formations. To solve that issue, battery makers have started blending the lithium with graphene. The resulting compound inhibits the formation of dendrites but also significantly reduces the energy storage capacity of the cathode. A pure lithium cathode is capable of storing 10 times as much electrical energy as a cathode made of lithium and graphene.

Researchers at Drexel University, working closely with colleagues at Tsinghua University in Beijing and Hauzhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, may have found a way to inhibit the formation of dendrites and allow cathodes to be made with a higher percentage of lithium. Their discovery involves adding nanosized diamonds to the electrolyte inside the battery.

On August 25, Professor Yury Gogotsi and his research team from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel published their research in the journal Nature Communications. Entitled “Nanodiamonds Suppress Growth of Lithium Dendrites,” it describes how diamond particles 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair curtail the electrochemical deposits that form dendrites.

Agelbert NOTE: The micrometre (International spelling as used by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures; SI symbol: μm) or micrometer (American spelling), is also commonly known as a micron. One μm equals one millionth of a metre (or one thousandth of a millimetre, 0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 inch). The width of a single human hair ranges from approximately 10 to 200 μm.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrometre

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmidwoodscience.org%2Fsem%2F2012%2FImage-20111102.000016.jpg&hash=3c464f0f317679ab5ad7dfd9abf322744d3b7a04)
Human Hair

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/08/dendrites-lithium-ion-batteries-graphene-diamonds.png)

Full article:  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)


https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/28/diamonds-batterys-best-friend-lithium-ion-battery-breakthrough/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 30, 2017, 01:33:43 pm
(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/08/tesla_powerwall_duo.jpg)

Double Tesla Powerwall Installation — Lessons Learned (CleanTechnica Exclusive) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clipartbest.com%2Fcliparts%2Fxig%2Fojx%2Fxigojx6KT.png&hash=6706182c9f1427099a77e10d1758e61d9cadb701)

August 30th, 2017 by Kyle Field

https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/30/what-you-need-to-know-before-having-a-tesla-powerwall-installed-cleantechnica-exclusive/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on September 30, 2017, 03:58:53 pm
Tesla Sends Hundreds of Batteries to Puerto Rico  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-280917164227.png&hash=67b47a6a2c29f13507ed2ee30cdba12743fb859e) 

Tesla is sending its Powerwall system to Puerto Rico as the island deals with widespread power loss in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

According to Electrek, the company has been quietly shipping hundreds of battery packs to be paired with solar panels to Puerto Rico ever since the storm cleared.

Fortune reported that Tesla employees are currently on the U.S. territory installing the batteries and repairing solar systems, as well as coordinating efforts with local organizations.

Much of the island's 3.4 million American citizens are currently without power and disconnected from modes of communication. Officials estimate that some areas will not see their power restored for months. As Climate Nexus pointed out, "the future of the island's bankrupt and corrupt utility and its fossil-fuel-heavy colonial legacy are now top of mind as experts and officials begin to tackle the best way to restore power and rebuild the island's power grid."

While there is still a long way to go rebuild, Tesla's batteries will help enable the island's generation of clean and renewable solar energy in the interim and in the future.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)


The company previously made headlines for helping Model S and Model X owners in Florida escape Hurricane Irma by extending the battery range of its cars.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also personally donated $250,000 to the relief effort, Electrek noted.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fthankyou.gif&hash=dddf44270b9e7683ff5cbcca041427744de34fe5)

A number of companies and business leaders have contributed to hurricane relief efforts. Fellow billionaire mogul Richard Branson, who faced two damaging hurricanes in a row from his home in the British Virgin Islands, has met with government representatives from Britain and the U.S. to set up a green fund to rebuild the hurricane-wrecked Caribbean.

"As part of that fund we want to make sure that the Caribbean moves from dirty energy to clean energy," Branson also told Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"If all that money could be invested in clean energy, in powering the world by the sun and by the wind, where we won't have to suffer these awful events in the future, how much better than having to patch up people's houses after they've been destroyed?" the Virgin Group founder said.



https://www.ecowatch.com/tesla-batteries-puerto-rico-2490950539.html
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FHjPbLbmep2aJO%2Fgiphy.gif&hash=3c7f7703f00cb341d3e9bdba607208d4204a294c)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 03, 2017, 03:02:33 pm
 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.cm%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200317134631.png&hash=e7430ffe46a72e7352280a53126394c73418e6a7)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.zmescience.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F10%2F152144_web.jpg&hash=a0a96b381d63b7270f9f67b3405c99b2388c2987)
Scanning electron microscope images show an anode of asphalt, graphene nanoribbons and lithium at left, and the same material is shown without lithium at right. Credit: Rice University.[/caption]
You could say these researchers took a faster road.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F4fvfcja.gif&hash=34a9a570347d39a0a892bc1f376c5e8b88add6b5)

Scientists add asphalt to lithium batterius that charge up to 20 times faster  :o  ;D

LAST UPDATED ON OCTOBER 3RD, 2017 AT 7:41 PM BY TIBI PUIU

SNIPPET:

Just a touch of asphalt is enough for high-capacity lithium metal batteries to charge 10 to 20 times faster than the commercially available lithium-ion variety. Additionally, the novel batteries last longer and are safer than current alternatives.

Full article:

http://www.zmescience.com/science/asphalt-lithium-batteries-432432/

Agelbert NOTE:
Off the shelf Lithium ion batteries now use carbon anodes, so this modification is not that big or expensive of a change. That said, I am a bit skeptical because faster charging does not give any guarantee of avoiding dendrite formation that degrades the batteries. The scientists claim the asphalt doping prevents dendrite formation. Maybe during the charge itself, but what about while it is sitting? I am not convinced by their assurances. Repeated faster charging might even cause the dendrites to grow faster, so I will adopt a wait and see attitude in regard to this innovation.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 03, 2017, 11:46:03 pm
New Anode In Toshiba SCiB Battery Adds 200 Miles Of Range In 6 Minutes  :o  ;D

October 3rd, 2017 by Steve Hanley

https://youtu.be/-S2bWaQSegA

Full article:

https://cleantechnica.com/2017/10/03/new-anode-toshiba-scib-battery-adds-200-miles-range-6-minutes/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on November 22, 2017, 07:50:19 pm
(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/11/84619e_6f1880e56e224012816f58a043494f3c-mv2-e1510614298620.png)

Vanadium Flow Batteries for Cost-Effective Energy Storage: An Interview with Angelo D’Anzi, CTO of StorEn Technologies
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)

November 21st, 2017 by Sponsored Content

SNIPPET:

How can you achieve such a low cost per kWh? ???

StorEn TechnologyCost is crucial for the adoption of energy storage. Our work is about bringing evolution to the technology with the objectives to improve performance as a way to drive down costs. We developed a disruptive battery technology based on both chemical and engineering solutions, leading to a 50% cost reduction. We are targeting a price of $400/kWh with a 25 year duration with no decay.  :o  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)


The great breakthrough is our innovative high-power electrodes made with nanomaterials and a proprietary functionalization process. With this innovation we have doubled power density over traditional batteries, while running at low pressure.

The ability to run at low pressure means that less of the battery’s own energy is required to run the pumps, hence round-trip efficiency is increased. Additionally, duration of the battery is also increased. To support the electrochemical activity, we couple our Hi-Power Nano-Structured Carbon Electrode to our MULTIGRID™ multipoint flow distribution to deliver an increase in power in excess of 50%.

We also wanted to make a battery that was virtually maintenance-free, like a car battery, for trouble-free operations and reduced Total Costs of Ownership. We developed two proprietary systems, RESAFE™ and EQUILEVELS™. These two systems support a battery that is virtually maintenance-free by eliminating service activities.

Our battery can be monitored remotely with our built-in BMS (Battery Management System). Therefore we implement a shift from scheduled on-site inspections to a maintenance-on-demand model. For example, if one of our batteries was installed in a remote telecommunications tower for power back-up, remote monitoring can reduce or eliminate the need for periodic on-site visits, which can translate in significant cost savings.

Full article:

https://cleantechnica.com/2017/11/21/vanadium-flow-batteries-for-cost-effective-energy-storage/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on November 24, 2017, 02:09:36 pm
Tesla Completes World’s Largest Li-ion Battery (129 MWh) In South Australia (#NotFree)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ad7348746accf6d16849add7323f1955a0eaecaa5bec53a13fda2698463f8d3b.gif) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad)
 

November 23rd, 2017 by James Ayre

SNIPPET:

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2017/11/Tesla-South-Australia-Powerpack-1.jpg)

Tesla has now finished construction work on the 129 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage facility that it was contracted to build in South Australia, the government of the region has revealed.

Full article:

https://cleantechnica.com/2017/11/23/tesla-completes-worlds-largest-li-ion-battery-129-mwh-energy-storage-facility-south-australia-notfree/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on December 23, 2017, 04:33:09 pm
Agelbert NOTE: The significant thing about this EV service is that they use a new type of battery technology (solid electrolyte) that is, for all practical purposes, impervious to fire from overheating or violent penetration during a crash. Learn more about this exciting new Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP®) battery technology  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3) below.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-231217161936.jpeg&hash=3286694653db7b5aa7734c85872f11f55aa98bb5)
blueSG network of 1,000 shared electric Bluecar vehicles in Singapore (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)



THE SERVICE

Launched in the year of 2017, BlueSG offers a new smart and affordable mobility option to all Singaporeans, complementing public transport.

BlueSG members will have access to a network of 1,000 shared electric Bluecar vehicles, 24/7, at self-service stations located in public housing, city center and commercial estates around Singapore. The service is point to point, which means there’s no need to return the car to your starting point, nor to bear the cost of maintenance or insurance of a own vehicle.
The BlueSG service will be available to anyone over 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license.

BlueSG is a subsidiary of the Bolloré Group which has launched the world’s largest and most successful car sharing, Autolib’ in Paris. . BlueSG will become the world’s second largest EV car sharing service.
 

THE PROJECT


A Request for Information (RFI) was issued in 2014 by the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) and Economic Development Board (EDB) and received proposals from 13 major consortia. Bolloré Group was selected for the quality of its proposal which complemented the public transport network, its strong track record – 6 years of successful implementation in Paris, and its commitment to Singapore.

On June 30, 2016, Singapore and the Bolloré Group signed the agreement that demonstrated the Group’s commitment to fully support Singapore’s public transport policy, through the creation of alternative and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions to the traditional car.

In December 2017, BlueSG car sharing service will officially be launched with an estimate of 30 stations and 80 Bluecars.

Under the agreement, the car-sharing programme will eventually include 500 stations equipped with 2,000 charging points. Of these, 20 per cent (or 400 charging points) will be for public use. The first fleet of Bluecars is also currently being commissioned in Singapore and will be part of the 1,000 strong EV fleet in the future.



THE BLUESG TECHNOLOGY


BlueSG is offering a one-way and all-electric car sharing service thanks to its Bluecar vehicle equipped with Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP®) batteries from Blue Solutions, a Bolloré subsidiary as BlueSG.

LMP® technology is the culmination of an ambitious research and development program started more than twenty years ago. Made of thin films of material produced using extrusion techniques perfected by the Bolloré Group, LMP® batteries offer high energy density while ensuring safety of use. They provide unrivaled autonomy and excellent performance in all weather conditions. They are dry batteries (meaning “entirely solid”), which gives them numerous advantages, particularly in terms of safety. Solid electrolytes effectively reduce local pollution risks in the event of an accident or damage to the integrity of the battery pack. The LMP® batteries contain no solvents, no rare earth metals, and no cobalt.(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.cdn2.123rf.com%2F168nwm%2Flenm%2Flenm1201%2Flenm120100200%2F12107060-illustration-of-a-smiley-giving-a-thumbs-up.jpg&hash=2046bc6d662e09d3014a2c404a2af6ba17f8217c)

These batteries can fulfill the needs of many different markets and meet the two primary challenges of the energy transition: developing clean transportation and smart energy management. Blue Solutions holds the intellectual property rights allowing it to manufacture and market batteries based on LMP® technology.
 

OUR AMBITIONS IN SINGAPORE

Thanks to the LMP® technology, the Bolloré Group decided to develop mobility (car sharing and electric vehicles) and stationary applications to address the environmental concerns. The Group ambition is to go further in the development of electro mobile solutions in particular thanks to its subsidiary that opened its new office in Singapore in September 2017.

Indeed, in addition to the fleet of 100% electric cars and charging points, the Bolloré Group is also establishing a new R&D center for Asia in Singapore, and an innovation center for partners to develop, test, and implement technological innovations in the mobility, data analysis and batteries.

Finally, the Bolloré Group also aims to deploy in the city-state and in Asia other modes of public transport, such as the Bluebus and the Bluetram equipped with supercapacitors. All of these would help create over 250 jobs in the country.

https://www.bluesg.com.sg/about-us
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on January 18, 2018, 03:27:34 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funny-emoticons.com%2Ffiles%2Ffunny-animals%2Fblue-bird-emoticons%2F801-listen-up%21.png&hash=f7fb2b5263a68b91c628fc597877983f813843e5) Tesla’s Battery in Australia Is Surpassing Expectations

January 17, 2018

By Dylan McConnell

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faemstatic-ww2.azureedge.net%2Fcontent%2Frew%2Fen%2Farticles%2F2018%2F01%2Ftesla-s-battery-in-australia-is-surpassing-expectations%2F_jcr_content%2Fleftcolumn%2Farticle%2Fheaderimage.scale.large.jpg%2F1516204617592.jpg&hash=db10a23b590facf4872c0877abf3ff1878d6d7f6)

It’s just over one month since the Hornsdale Power Reserve was officially opened in South Australia at the Hornsdale wind farm. The excitement surrounding the project has generated acres of media interest, both locally and abroad.

The aspect that has generated the most interest is the battery’s rapid response time in smoothing out several major energy outages that have occurred since it was installed.

Following the early success of the South Australia model, Victoria has also secured an agreement to get its own Tesla battery built near the town of Stawell. Victoria’s government will be tracking the Hornsdale battery’s early performance with interest.

Generation and Consumption

Since there are losses associated with energy storage, it is a net consumer of energy. This is often described in terms of “round trip efficiency,” a measure of the energy out to the energy in. In this case, the round trip efficiency appears to be roughly 80 percent.

The figure below shows the input and output from the battery over the month. As can be seen, on several occasions the battery has generated as much as 100 MW of power, and consumed 70 MW of power. The regular operation of the battery moves between generating 30 MW and consuming 30 MW of power.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faemstatic-ww1.azureedge.net%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Frew%2Fonlinearticles%2F2018%2F01%2FREW_TeslasSABattery1.png&hash=8c4fc9633fb542c313aabf467a3a3a3b9465c3f0)
Over the full month of December, the Hornsdale power reserve generated 2.42 GWh of energy, and consumed 3.06 GWh.

As can be seen, the generation and consumption pattern is rather “noisy,” and doesn’t really appear to have a pattern at all. This is true even on a daily basis, as can be seen below. This is related to services provided by the battery.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faemstatic-ww2.azureedge.net%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Frew%2Fonlinearticles%2F2018%2F01%2FREW_TeslasSABattery2.png&hash=2d6e5866615709cdceb031cf89c8641413aba7f4)
Generation and consumption of the Hornsdale Power Reserve over the month of December 2018. Author provided [data from AEMO]


Frequency Control Ancillary Services

There are eight different Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) markets in the National Electricity Market (NEM). These can be put into two broad categories: contingency services and regulation services.

Contingency Services

Contingency services essentially stabilize the system when something unexpected occurs. These are called credible contingencies. The tripping (isolation from the grid) of large generator is one example.

When such unexpected events occur, supply and demand are no longer balanced, and the frequency of the power system moves away from the normal operating range. This happens on a very short timescale. The contingency services ensure that the system is brought back into balance and that the frequency is returned to normal within five minutes.

In the NEM there are three separate timescales over which these contingency services should be delivered: six seconds, 60 seconds, and five minutes. As the service may have to increase or decrease the frequency, there is thus a total of six contingency markets (three that raise frequency in the timescales above, and three that reduce it).

This is usually done by rapidly increasing or decreasing output from a generator (or battery in this case), or rapidly reducing or increasing load. This response is triggered at the power station by the change in frequency.

To do this, generators (or loads) have some of their capacity “enabled” in the FCAS market. This essentially means that a proportion of its capacity is set aside, and available to respond if the frequency changes. Providers get paid for the amount of megawatts they have enabled in the FCAS market.

This is one of the services that the Hornsdale Power Reserve has been providing. The figure below shows how the Hornsdale Power Reserve responded to one incident on power outage, when one of the units at Loy Yang A tripped on December 14, 2017.

Regulation Services

The regulation services are a bit different. Similar to the contingency services, they help maintain the frequency in the normal operating range. And like contingency, regulation may have to raise or lower the frequency, and as such there are two regulation markets.

However, unlike contingency services, which essentially wait for an unexpected change in frequency, the response is governed by a control signal, sent from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

In essence, AEMO controls the throttle, monitors the system frequency, and sends a control signal out at a four-second interval. This control signal alters the output of the generator such that the supply and demand balanced is maintained.

This is one of the main services that the battery has been providing. As can be seen, the output of the battery closely follows the amount of capacity it has enabled in the regulation market.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faemstatic-ww2.azureedge.net%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Frew%2Fonlinearticles%2F2018%2F01%2FREW_TeslasSABattery4.png&hash=571c1389345a8dc357f86844ed48fb4e4061c9cb)
The Hornsdale Power Reserve responding to a drop in system frequency. Author provide [data from AEMO']


More Batteries to Come    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fmuscular.gif&hash=1ebeafc0e4589b9d38ab66d37aa940d757e830e9) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)

Not to be outdone by its neighboring state, the Victorian government has also recently secured an agreement for its own Tesla battery. This agreement, in conjunction with a wind farm near the town of Stawell, should see a battery providing similar services in Victoria.

This battery may also provide additional benefits to the grid. The project is located in a part of the transmission network that AEMO has indicated may need augmentation in the future. This project might illustrate the benefits the batteries can provide in strengthening the transmission network.

It’s still early days for the Hornsdale Power Reserve, but it’s clear that it has been busy performing essential services and doing so at impressive speeds. Importantly, it has provided regular frequency control ancillary services — not simply shifting electricity around.

With the costs and need for frequency control service increasing in recent years, the boost to supply through the Hornsdale Power Reserve is good news for consumers, and a timely addition to Australia’s energy market.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (https://theconversation.com/a-month-in-teslas-sa-battery-is-surpassing-expectations-89770)

Lead image credit: CC0 Creative Commons | Pixabay

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/01/tesla-s-battery-in-australia-is-surpassing-expectations.html

Agelbert NOTE:For smoothing electrical energy demand and preventing appliance damaging frequency and voltage fluctuations, no fossil fuel or nuclear power generating plant can EVER match the lightning speed and reliability of a large battery system.

The only thing that comes close, but still takes seconds (causing brief frequency and voltage fluctuations that you don't notice but your electronics certainly do not like), instead of the lightning fast battery response of fractions of a second, is hydroelectric power because valves can quickly force torrents of water through pelton wheels powering electricity generators.

Battery systems are the Renewable Energy smoothing solution to the problem of intermittent solar, wind, tide, hydro, etc. because they provide an added guarantee of uninterrupted clean power that totally eliminates the need for alleged "baseload" coal or nuclear AND natural gas super expensive peaking power plants.

This has been known by the fossil fuelers for at least a half a century. That is why they continue to do everything they can to stop these systems from coming online. We need fossil fuel and nuclear dirty energy sources like  like a dog needs ticks.  >:(

If we survive the present Trumpism dystopic stupidity, I believe all the excess Renewable Energy harvested from facilities that are being built all over the world will eventually be stored, not just in battery systems and dams, but also in potential energy systems (massive cable suspended weights in subterranean structures up to a thousand feet long) that can kinetically power generators by gravity even faster than hydroelectric power.

Many people do not realize that, at present, a great deal of generated energy by fossil fuel and nuclear power is thrown away in what is called "shunting". As you read in the article above, a certain amount of power capacity HAS TO be kept off line so that when a demand spike shows up, the frequency and voltage do not get out of acceptable limits.

All this is because conventional polluting power sources like coal and nuclear are TOO SLOW in the ramp up and ramp down.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183337.bmp&hash=fd5a6df63c32bd65dda7b6d93e788647ca3829df)

Also, those peaking power plants that use natural gas are, though much quicker, still too slow to avoid the huge amounts of shunted energy thown away routinely.

Renewable Energy and battery systems have the potential to reduce shunting to a fraction of what it is today and eventually eliminate this wasteful process altogether. Fossil Fuelers and Nuke Pukes don't like to talk about shunting because, aside from the polluting piggery(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F237.gif&hash=13b71d2444f84b15c53fb1c0272c080f48a165f1) , Shunting is their horrendously wasteful Achilles Heel.(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F290.gif&hash=38949e35cf58eaa4218b5a8176767c806d2f8537)(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fnocomment.gif&hash=e2062ee03ac013cc64a2d5285ec05dd9510c141b)

In the future, I envision large battery systems as mainly a smoothing technology used to coordinate all the Renewable Energy coming in and storing it when there is an excess, while providing millisecond smooth frequency and voltage instant power until the hydroelectric and/or gravity systems come online a second or three later.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183515.bmp&hash=4a3ad9d0a78a7e161f53ddd84f568082a5b0d2ad) The present six seconds, 60 seconds, and five minutes time scales will be relegated to the cave man days of fossil fuel and nuclear polluting energy sources.  ;D

There is no place for slow starting dirty energy generation in this truly practical and sustainable picture involving supplying clean, non-polluting power to human civilization.

The Fossil Fuelers DID THE Clean Energy  Inventions suppressing, Climate Trashing, human health depleting CRIME,   but since they have ALWAYS BEEN liars and conscience free crooks, they are trying to AVOID   DOING THE TIME or     PAYING THE FINE!     Don't let them get away with it! Pass it on!    (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F176.gif&hash=121533221905789c6b8d57a9603883266d349266)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 06, 2018, 03:23:48 pm
Tesla’s giant battery in Australia is already eating away at ‘gas 🦖 cartel’s’ profits, report says (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714191258.bmp&hash=e4ed21caaca822f7445ccafd39f49a9f84be90ca)

Fred Lambert

- Feb. 6th 2018 8:28 am ET

@FredericLambert

FEATURE
 
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We already reported on how Tesla’s giant battery in Australia made around $1 million in just a few days by taking advantage of the country’s volatile energy market.

But now a new report shows how it is also eating away at the ‘gas cartel’s’ profits.

Home Solar Power (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-280917145106.png&hash=9fb0bb4b96cb9209f9e6372fb7a7227e5ac58865)


When an issue happens or maintenance is required on the power grid in Australia, the Energy Market Operator calls for FCAS (frequency control and ancillary services) which consists of large and costly gas generators🦖 kicking in to compensate for the loss of power.

These services are so costly that it can sometimes amount to up to $7 million per day – or 10 times the regular value of the energy delivered.

Electricity rates can be seen reaching $14,000 per MW during those FCAS periods.

Now Renewecomy reports that FCAS were required on January 14, but the prices didn’t skyrocket to $14,000 per MW and they instead were maintained at around $270/MW after a short spike.

The bidding of Tesla’s 100MW/ 129MWh Powerpack project in South Australia on the services is credited with escaping the price hike, which would have cost energy generator and consumers millions in costs.

The Powerpack system is able to switch from charging to discharging in a fraction of a second, which allows Neoen, the operator of the system, to quickly respond when frequency issues happen.

Ed McManus, the CEO of Meridian Australia and Powershop Australia, told Renewecomy about the situation on the Energy Insiders podcast:

Quote
“If you look at FCAS … the costs traditionally in South Australia have been high …. and our costs in the last couple of years have gone from low five-figures annually to low six-figures annually. It’s a hell of a jump,”

“That plays into the thinking of new players looking to come into South Australia to challenge the incumbents. FCAS charges are on their minds.

“It’s a little early to tell, but it looks like from preliminary data looks that the Tesla big battery is having an impact on FCAS costs, bringing them down … that is a very, very significant development for generation investment and generation competition in South Australia.

“The South Australian government deserves a big pat on the back …. they have received a fair bit of flack – people saying if the power goes out, the battery can only power state for 5 minutes – but that is kind of irrelevant.

“The battery is there to do other things … and it looks like it has been phenomenally successful in doing that.”

The government didn’t wait for a pat on the back and it instead quickly contracted Tesla for another giant energy storage project.  ;D

We reported this weekend that Tesla will be installing Powerwalls and solar power on 50,000 homes to create the biggest virtual power plant in the world.

The project would result in 250 MW and 650 MWh of capacity, which could also be used for similar services as Tesla’s giant Powerpack installation but distributed in residential communities.

https://electrek.co/2018/02/06/tesla-giant-battery-australia-gas-cartels-profit-report/

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Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 08, 2018, 12:20:17 pm
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Compound Could Transform Energy Storage ⚡ for Large Grids

February 7, 2018

By Bob Marcotte

energy storage

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faemstatic-ww1.azureedge.net%2Fcontent%2Frew%2Fen%2Farticles%2F2018%2F02%2Fcompound-could-transform-energy-storage-for-large-grids%2F_jcr_content%2Fleftcolumn%2Farticle%2Fheaderimage.scale.large.jpg%2F1518015645238.jpg&hash=ef96c02e57595f606557bbcb3ec6e15b405574df)
Ellen Matson, left, assistant professor of chemistry, and PhD student Lauren VanGelder at work in Matson's lab. VanGelder is lead author on a paper describing modifications to a redox flow battery that make it nearly twice as effective for electrochemical energy storage. Credit: University of Rochester | Matson Lab
         
In order to power entire communities with clean energy, such as solar and wind power, a reliable backup storage system is needed to provide energy when the sun isn’t shining and the wind doesn’t blow.

One possibility is to use any excess solar- and wind-based energy to charge solutions of chemicals that can subsequently be stored for use when sunshine and wind are scarce. At that time, the chemical solutions of opposite charge can be pumped across solid electrodes, thus creating an electron exchange that provides power to the electrical grid.

The key to this technology, called a redox flow battery , is finding chemicals that can not only “carry” sufficient charge, but also be stored without degrading for long periods, thereby maximizing power generation and minimizing the costs of replenishing the system.

University of Rochester researchers, working with colleagues at the University at Buffalo, believe they have found a promising compound that could transform the energy storage landscape.

In a paper published in Chemical Science, an open access journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, researchers in the lab of Ellen Matson, assistant professor of chemistry, describe modifying a metal-oxide cluster, which has promising electroactive properties, so that it is nearly twice as effective as the unmodified cluster for electrochemical energy storage in a redox flow battery.

“Energy storage applications with polyoxometalates are pretty rare in the literature,” says lead author Lauren VanGelder, a third-year PhD student in Matson’s lab. “There are maybe one or two examples prior to ours, and they didn’t really maximize the potential of these systems.”

“This is really an untapped area of molecular development 💫,” adds Matson.

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faemstatic-ww2.azureedge.net%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Frew%2Fonlinearticles%2F2018%2F02%2FREW_CompoundCouldTransform2.jpg&hash=7f28474eb7b18b2654d885648ff21f869020ee4d)
A redox flow battery uses excess solar- and wind-based energy to charge solutions of chemicals that can subsequently be stored for use when sunshine and wind are scarce. At that time, the chemical solutions of opposite charge can be pumped across solid electrodes, thus creating an electron exchange that provides power to the electrical grid. Credit: University of Rochester | Michael Osadciw

The cluster was first developed in the lab of German chemist Johann Spandl, and studied for its magnetic properties. Tests conducted by VanGelder showed that the compound could store charge in a redox flow battery, “but was not as stable as we had hoped.”

However, by making what Matson describes as “a simple molecular modification”— replacing the compound’s methanol-derived methoxide groups with ethanol-based ethoxide ligands—the team was able to expand the potential window during which the cluster was stable, doubling the amount of electrical energy that could be stored in the battery.

Says Matson: “What’s really cool about this work is the way we can generate the ethoxide and methoxide clusters by using methanol and ethanol. Both of these reagents are inexpensive, readily available and safe to use. The metal and oxygen atoms that compose the remainder of the cluster are earth-abundant elements. The straightforward, efficient synthesis of this system is a totally new direction in charge-carrier development that, we believe, will set a new standard in the field.”

The electrochemical testing required for this study involved equipment and techniques not previously used in the Matson lab. Hence the collaboration with Timothy Cook, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Buffalo, and Anjula Kosswattaarachchi, a fourth-year graduate student in the Cook lab. VanGelder visited the Cook lab for training on testing equipment, and in turn helped Kosswattaarachchi with synthesizing compounds.

The two groups have applied for a National Science Foundation grant as part of an ongoing collaboration to further refine the clusters for use in commercial redox flow batteries.

Matson stressed the “crucial role” played by VanGelder, who conducted the initial testing and experiments on the clusters while Matson was on maternity leave. “As a third-year graduate student, she did an incredible job of starting this project. She’s played an important role in driving this research effort in the lab,” Matson says.

A University Furth Fund Award that Matson received last year enabled the lab to purchase electrochemical equipment needed for the study. Patrick Forrestal ’19 of the Matson lab also contributed to the study.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/02/compound-could-transform-energy-storage-for-large-grids.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 21, 2018, 06:58:19 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

Puerto Rico School Ditches Grid for Solar-plus-Storage  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)

February 19, 2018

By Chris Martin, Bloomberg

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/02/puerto-rico-school-ditches-grid-for-solar-plus-storage.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on February 22, 2018, 02:31:38 pm
 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200317134631.png&hash=3ec83ab2cb9a9acaf485fff7312df6381c25c2fd)

Soft, eel-inspired device can produce up to 110 volts

LAST UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 22ND, 2018 AT 6:06 PM BY MIHAI ANDREI

https://youtu.be/MNctvU0LZ9M

Article with above video:

https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/eel-device-electric-22022018/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 09, 2018, 08:43:57 pm
The Battery ⚡ Will Kill Fossil Fuels🦕 —It's Only a Matter of Time (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121649.png&hash=4554f7e59701d12857946aece16bceb973c997b3)

By Mark Chediak from Hyperdrive

March 8, 2018, 7:00 AM EST Updated on March 8, 2018, 11:16 AM EST


SNIPPET:

Three weeks ago, a U.S. agency ⁉️ sent the clearest signal yet that fossil fuels’ days are numbered.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-141113185047.png&hash=384024358ff8d5e7133d19b6e6638da4584a8154)

Full article with graphics:

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Freading.gif&hash=63e3e644b39258d4c4eedbcdaf322315b1856723)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-08/the-battery-will-kill-fossil-fuels-it-s-only-a-matter-of-time
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 09, 2018, 10:37:25 pm
Quote
“‘We’re reaching an inflection point,” said Steve Westly, founder of sustainability venture-capital firm Westly Group and former controller and chief fiscal officer for the state of California. “In the future, people will talk about energy in terms of kilowatts per hour instead of oil per barrels.”

"Kilowatts per hour" and "oil per barrels"??? - please explain.

Ask Steve Westly.  I didn't write  article but I have an idea 🤔 of what he is referring too. The unit of measure the Oil Corporations moved into general parlance was the "Barrel" (about 55 gallons of whatever) instead of just using a term relating to a gallon. The whole sneaky idea was to make everyone equate "Energy" with "Oil", as if one can only "really" get energy from a barrel of YOU KNOW WHAT (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-311013201314.png&hash=0715eb72631014310634eb56176ff860c6d542f6).

You know the fossil fuelers LOVE to say the USA NEEDS umpteen million Barrels of Oil per day or week or month or year or whatever. That is OUT THE WINDOW when your source of energy is renewable AND stored in a massive utility corporation battery bank.

I know you think that isn't going to happen any time soon. Good luck with that.  ::)



Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 10, 2018, 03:02:38 pm
Quote
“‘We’re reaching an inflection point,” said Steve Westly, founder of sustainability venture-capital firm Westly Group and former controller and chief fiscal officer for the state of California. “In the future, people will talk about energy in terms of kilowatts per hour instead of oil per barrels.”

"Kilowatts per hour" and "oil per barrels"??? - please explain.

Ask Steve Westly.  I didn't write  article but I have an idea 🤔 of what he is referring too. The unit of measure the Oil Corporations moved into general parlance was the "Barrel" (about 55 gallons of whatever) instead of just using a term relating to a gallon. The whole sneaky idea was to make everyone equate "Energy" with "Oil", as if one can only "really" get energy from a barrel of YOU KNOW WHAT  :evil4:.

You know the fossil fuelers LOVE to say the USA NEEDS umpteen million Barrels of Oil per day or week or month or year or whatever. That is OUT THE WINDOW when your source of energy is renewable AND stored in a massive utility corporation battery bank.

I know you think that isn't going to happen any time soon. Good luck with that.  ::)


I think I have an idea of what he was refering to, too:
"kilowatts per hour" is an error.  He meant "kilowatt.hours" which actually has the units of energy .
"oil per barrels" is another error.  He meant "barrels of oil", which actually has the units of energy.

I suppose Steve Westly, founder of sustainability venture-capital firm Westly Group and former controller and chief fiscal officer for the state of California, could have got it right and been misquoted by the journalist, Mark Chediak.  But you would think Bloomberg would have done a better job of checking the story than that.  Also, 45% turns into "more than half".

It's all spin anyway, not to worry.


 ::) Hey Einstein, the guy was NOT goiing into energy math thermodynamics nomenclature! He was talking about public perceptions of energy that would soon go the way of the dodo bird!

But, of course, I knew you would try to spin it as an "error" with your typical hair splitting deliberate intransigence, disguised as providing some pedantic (and defamatory as well as boring) bit of enlightenment. Get a life, Palloy. Oil is NOT "it". Please refrain from defamatory remarks about Bloomberg, it's journalists, or Steve Westly, Such unwarranted spurious remarks only further undermine your already tarnished credibility.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-200714183312.bmp&hash=02dafef2fe739676600fdc9bd56271f0f5ab3723)

Here's a Scientist Mathematician that  people who actually understand bisophere math, the Nature Conservancy, respect. As a mathematician, you could learn much from a serious study of the program he developed called "Marxan" to help in the conservation of the biodiversity in our biosphere.

The Nature Conservancy 🦋

March 10, 2018

Meet Our Chief Scientist 👨‍🔬

For The Nature Conservancy’s chief scientist, Dr. Hugh Possingham, a gift in his youth helped guide his path in the field of conservation. Learn what inspires him and share in his reflections on the Conservancy’s successes around the globe.

You grew up in South Australia. How did your childhood experiences shape your career?

As a child, my father and I would explore the bush around Adelaide. He was a keen birder, and when I was 12 he gave me the book “Competition and the Structure of Bird Communities,” written by Martin Cody, which showed me that mathematics was useful—even in ecology. This realization led to my pursuit of applied math at university.


You used mathematics to develop Marxan, the world’s most widely used conservation planning tool. Is that how you got involved with the Conservancy?

I developed a lot of relationships with Conservancy colleagues through Marxan’s application to their work, so I was very familiar with our science-based, collaborative approach and clear focus to save as much of our planet’s biodiversity as possible. It is somewhat unusual for someone like myself to leave the academic world, and I don’t think I would have accepted a position with any other conservation organization.


Which types of conservation strategies do you find most encouraging?

Much of our core work is focused on reducing habitat loss and degradation, which is essential for halting climate change and saving biodiversity. For example, with a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions caused by forest loss, there is great potential in sustainable forestry initiatives. Projects like these are especially promising because they are good for the economy, good for nature and good for mitigating climate change.


Can you give some examples of how the Conservancy tackles big conservation challenges?

We look at how to generate renewable power while improving wildlife habitat; how to use habitat restoration in cities to provide cleaner water; how to lessen the impacts of climate change by restoring natural infrastructure, like coral reefs.


Why is the Conservancy so effective?

Our organization is unique because we are global problem solvers, and we are exceptionally inclusive and collaborative in our work. We recognize that people have basic needs—food, energy, clean water, sanitation—hence calling a halt to development isn’t an option. So we align with many stakeholders—from governments and corporations to farmers and indigenous communities—and we work with them to find solutions that meet human needs and improve biodiversity

The Nature Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/about-us/careers/index.htm)
Attn: Treasury
4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22203 USA

By Phone:
(800) 628-6860

Biodiversity hot spots of 80% of biosphere's species endangered by Global Warming Pollution
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-110617203715.png&hash=fe038f10e73af1b0c6673c78ba8a9e8908ffd150)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 11, 2018, 12:06:32 am
Bloomberg/Westly was trying to explain something to the public, and got it horribly garbled. You posted it as something good.  They deserve my criticism.  At least you (hopefully) won't go around saying  “In the future, people will talk about energy in terms of kilowatts per hour instead of oil per barrels.”

You don't believe in Peak Oil, I do. That's called a disagreement.  It doesn't give you the right to disparage me without pointing out the errors in Peak Oil, which you have never done and cannot do because it is real. The only person that is weakened by this error is YOU.

Conservancy is not effective, it is being steam-rollered into the ground by big business, as shown by your "biodiversity problems still outstanding" image.  "calling a halt to development isn’t an option." is where they go wrong, and when dealing with "governments and corporations to farmers and indigenous communities" with that attitude, they will always lose.


 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc06.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2009%2F347%2F2%2F6%2FWTF_Smiley_face_by_IveWasHere.jpg&hash=8ca673f8cf785d9dac626f9fd91e37a1a318c7ac)

"Horribly garbled"? My, what ridiculous hyperbole. I understood what he was saying just fine, thank you. YOU were the one claiming a news item for the public should follow thermodynamic energy measurement rigor. That's really grasping at straws, Palloy. 👎 Stop with the Kwh thing. Anybody knows what that is all about. It just bends you out of shape to read any article that says oil is going to be replaced by renewably sourced energy from batteries, so you start a hair splitting hyperbole campaign. Same on you!

And BY THE WAY, you CAN use up X number of Kilowatts in a given second, minute or hour, AS YOU KNOW, but the Kwh measure is what they use to bill you for the electricity, so stop playing silly games with nomenclature!

And now you are attacking The Nature Conservancy and their Chief Scientist mathematician too?

You just canot take correction gracefully, can you?

And as to Peak Oil, I HAVE pointed out the MANY errors in peak oil, over and over. You just keep ignoring them! HERE are some of the most recent examples:

Quote
by Marianna Parraga (Reuters) – Mexico’s state-run Pemex [PEMX.UL] might bring partners into two heavy crude oilfields in the Gulf’s shallow waters, the company’s chief said on Tuesday, move that could help ease a lack of heavy barrels in the Atlantic basin.

After nine bidding rounds in just three years and a presidential election scheduled in July, Mexico’s oil regulator has started a campaign to convince Pemex and foreign investors that this is the moment to develop much needed extra-heavy oil reserves.

“We are looking to increase production, including heavy crude, so we might put on the table some farmouts mainly for those fields that need secondary recovery strategies,” Pemex’s CEO Carlos Trevino said during a news conference during the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston.

Quote
Dominican Republic to Join Caribbean Energy 🦖 Exploration Rush

By Bloomberg on Mar 06, 2018 04:11 pm


Quote
BY JOHN BOWDEN - 03/06/18 08:42 AM EST 
   
Trump touts report US is set to become world’s top oil producer

President Trump on Tuesday celebrated a report from the International Energy Agency which claims the U.S. will become the world's leading oil producer by 2023.

AND HERE is the article that SHOULD have put to rest in your mind  any idea that peak oil will save us from Catastrophic Climate Change:


"Peak Oil will save us from Climate Change:" a meme that never went viral

By Ugo Bardi

Thursday, October 8, 2015

The idea that peak oil will save us from climate change has been occasionally popping up in the debate, but it never really gained traction for a number of good reasons. One is that, in many cases, the proponents were also climate science deniers and that made them scarcely credible. Indeed, if climate change does not exist (or if it is not caused by human activities), then how is it that you are telling us that peak oil will save us from it? Add to this that many hard line climate science deniers are also peak oil deniers (since, as well known, both concepts are part of the great conspiracy), then, it is no surprise that the meme of "peak oil will save us" never went viral.

That doesn't mean that we shouldn't ask the question of whether we have sufficient amounts of fossil fuel to generate a truly disastrous climate change. The debate on this point goes back to the early 2000s. At the beginning, the data were uncertain and it was correctly noted that some of the IPCC scenarios overestimated what we are likely to burn in the future. But, by now, I think the fog has cleared.  It is becoming increasingly clear that fossil fuel depletion is not enough, by far, to save us from climate change.

Nevertheless, some people still cling to the old "peak oil will save us" meme. In a recent post on "Energy Matters", Roger Andrews (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fgen152.gif&hash=d5b10968fe56c4cb95fae17cee3cb420a5f4e2da)  argues that:

All of the oil and gas reserves plus about 20% of the coal reserves could be consumed without exceeding the IPCC’s trillion-tonne carbon emissions limit.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_9HT4xZyDmh4%2FTOHhxzA0wLI%2FAAAAAAAAEUk%2FoeHDS2cfxWQ%2Fs200%2FSmiley_Angel_Wings_Halo.jpg&hash=13281f1944b60773bf12b29387b70be77cc1fe16)

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-040817140651.png&hash=c43dc47dbb4ef892fb7c5680dba982b56fdad700)

Now, that sounds reassuring and surely many people would understand it in the sense that we shouldn't worry at all about burning oil and gas. Unfortunately, that's just not true and Andrews' statement is both overoptimistic and misleading.

One problem is that the "2 degrees limit" is a last ditch attempt to limit the damage created by climate change, but there is no certainty that staying beyond it will be enough to prevent disaster.


Then, there is a problem with Andrew's use of the term "reserves," to be understood as "proven reserves". Proven reserves include only those resources that are known to exist and to be extractable at present; and that's surely much less than all what could be extracted in the future. The parameter that takes into account also probably existing resources is called "Ultimate Recoverable Resources" or URRs

So, let's consider a world fossil URR estimate that many people would consider as "pessimistic," the one by Jean Laherrere that I already discussed in a previous post.

It turns out that we have enough oil and gas that, together, they can produce enough CO2 to reach the 2 degrees limit; even though, maybe, not more. There follows that, if we really wanted to burn all the oil and gas known to be extractable, to stay withing the limit we would need to stop burning coal - zero burning, zilch -  starting from tomorrow!
Not an easy thing to do, considering that coal produces more than 40% of the energy that powers the world's electrical grid and, in some countries, much more than that. It is true that coal is the dirtiest of the three fossil fuels and must be phased out faster than oil and gas, but the consumption of all three must go down together, otherwise it will be impossible to remain under the limit.

In the end, we have here one more of the many illusions that surround the climate issue; one that could be dangerous it were to spread. However, in addition to the other problems described here, Andrew's post falls into the same trap of many previous attempts: it uses the data produced by climate science to try to demonstrate its main thesis, but only after having defined climate science as "Vodoo Science." No way: this is not a meme that will go viral.

http://cassandralegacy.blogspot.it/2015/04/climate-change-can-seneca-collapse-save.html (http://cassandralegacy.blogspot.it/2015/04/climate-change-can-seneca-collapse-save.html)


Mr. Palloy,

The only disparaging and thoroughly offensive commenter on this forum lacking the most basic level of respect and decorum, in regard to your consistent hyperbole, hair splitting and obtuse deliberate misinterpretation of the most basic phrases in the English language is YOU. From the start, you have consistently and abusively attacked absolutely everything I have written about, from ethanol to predicted wave activity to the massive level of pollution from fossil fuels that is what is REALLY destroying human civilization. The fact that you "BELIEVE" in peak oil causing a "collapse" gives you ZERO excuse to get into high dungeon because I vigorously, and with many irrefutable data points, give you no credit for rational thinking. You think I am wrong. I know you are the one that is woefully wrong. After you accused me of being "in a panic" and being "alone" in my views on this forum, both Eddie and Jdwheeler weighed in to to support my position. Eddie give both of us equal credit, but JD made it rather clear to YOU that my argument was the most important one. YET, you did not apologize for attempting to disparage my view as some " alarmist fantasy". DON'T tell me YOU are the one being offended when you routinely dish out thoroughly demeaning and offensive remarks directed at my posts and my person.

HERE is what JD wrote to YOU, which I answered since you disappeared, so you can stick it in your peak oil pipe and SMOKE IT!

The thing to panic about is Peak Oil because its impact is just about to crash the world economy and prevent any kind of industrial reboot.
You're right about the impact of Peak Oil, but Biosphere Disruption (aka Climate Change) can cause the extinction of most complex lifeforms on Earth, so it is a far bigger problem.

Also, Peak Oil is completely unavoidable, all we can do it change the timing a little one way or the other, and brace ourselves for the impact.  While Biosphere Disruption has already begun, we still have at least in theory the ability to avoid the worst effects.

Really, though, it is a false dilemma.  The good solutions for Peak Oil also happen to be the good solutions for Biosphere Disruption.  They just are bad for continuing a BAU consumerist lifestyle.


Thank you for your serious and well reasoned comment. I understand that you see this as six of one and half a dozen of the other, but there is a key issue here that negates the "peak oil will save us" meme as an excuse to keep buring fossi lfuels until they are all used up.

...

JD, if you haven't perused this detailed study by David Wasdell, I recommend it. It clearly shows the climate sensitivity (radiative forcing) is much higher than the low balled IPCC scenario model math.


...

http://www.apollo-gaia.org/harsh-realities-of-now.html (http://www.apollo-gaia.org/harsh-realities-of-now.html)
I see it more of a six-of-one, half-a-gross of the other situation... or in other words, a proper response to climate change will make peak oil irrelevant.  As David Wasdell puts it at the end of the above article,

"It is time to say NO to the dark and toxic energy of the underworld. It is time to say YES to the pure and sustainable energy of light. Photo-dynamics can out-power, out-pace and out-resource any amount of energy we can get from fossil sources. It is time to break free from our bondage to the past. It is time to embrace the freedom of the Sun. It is time to usher in the dawn of Solar Society.

The transition from fossil dependency to solar dependency is an extraordinary shift for our species. It can be compared to the introduction of photosynthesis in the evolution of plants, which could then take solar energy to transform basic chemicals into more complex molecules. Today we are able to take solar energy and transform it directly into electricity, power, heat, and light. That provides the basis for a metamorphosis. We are not caught in the death throes of civilisation, merely the demise of an inappropriate mode of civilisation. We are experiencing the birth pangs of a new form of humanity."

Now THAT is what is called respecful posting, something I have YET to see from you. It is IRRESPONSIBLE and downright SHAMEFUL that you claimed nobody supported my views and then ignored the posts supporting my views!

Palloy, you show ZERO RESPECT for me and what I post. You NEVER give me or my posts the benefit of the doubt, but jump in to snipe and dispargage without regard to manners or decorum. You REFUSE to peruse David Wasdell's detailed and methodical study. YOU are the one who cannot deal with evidence and hard facts! Therefore it is a waste of time to engage you in any discussion. Respect is a two way street. I am NOT your verbal punching bag. When, and if, you show respect for my posts, I will reciprocate. Until then I hold you and everything you write in contempt. DO NOT POST HERE if you cannot disagree respectfully with what I write. Apologize or go away!
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 14, 2018, 05:50:38 pm
Blue Planet Energy Supplies Energy Storage & Training In Puerto Rico (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)
 


March 14th, 2018 by Jake Richardson

The energy storage provider Blue Planet Energy recently deployed its Blue Ion energy storage systems to support the electrification efforts in Puerto Rico.

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2018/03/Screen-Shot-2018-03-12-at-2.16.33-PM.png)
Image Credit: Blue Planet Energy

These deployments took place in areas where there has not been reliable electricity since September of 2017, when Hurricane Maria struck. One site is a volunteer housing facility in the Isabela municipality and the other is located in the Corozal municipality to provide electricity to a clean water pumping system. Blue Planet Energy is also providing support through training and education sessions.


Too many of Puerto Rico’s residents have not had a functioning electric grid since Hurricane Maria’s landfall in September. Our Blue Ion units will provide critical sites with reliable, safe and self-sustained power to ensure they can continue providing essential services to their communities. We’re proud to be able to lend our support to Puerto Rico and to contribute to its mission of rebuilding with stronger, cleaner and more reliable energy infrastructure,” said Henk Rogers, Blue Planet Energy CEO and founder.

A 16 kilowatt-hour (kWh) Blue Ion 2.0 battery unit was installed at the well pumping system in Corozal. The energy storage technology is working with a 7 kW solar power system in a remote neighborhood called Palos Blanco. This area was experiencing a lack of both clean water and reliable electricity, so the solar power and energy storage system is helping to produce both.

“Our mission on the ground in Puerto Rico is to coordinate with the EPA and FEMA to install safe drinking water stations and solar-powered pumping systems to service those that need it most, ” explained Mark Baker, Director of Disaster Response for Water Mission. This organization is working to address water safety in many rural communities in Puerto Rico.

Another 16 kWh Blue Ion system was deployed at the Las Dunas volunteer center. This facility supports aid workers who are installing solar power kits by providing them with housing and assistance. Up to 15 volunteers can be housed there, but the structure was without power until the new system was deployed.

“Partnering with Blue Planet Energy has helped to supply reliable power for our base operations, allowing us to meet our mission of deploying solar kits to areas hardest hit by Maria,” explained Walter Meyer-Rodriguez the Coastal Marine Resource Center project lead.

In fact, CMRC has plans to add over 100 more solar power + energy storage systems in under-served areas of Puerto Rico.

Blue Planet Energy also sponsored the Puerto Rico Solar Energy Industries Association’s inaugural Clean Energy Summit in San Juan in February to address how energy storage could help in the island’s recovery.

“Being on the ground in Puerto Rico and speaking with people from communities impacted by Hurricane Maria, we’ve seen firsthand the risk that centralized power systems pose and the hardship they can leave in the wake of a devastating weather event. The Blue Planet Energy team is thrilled to pass on the knowledge and tools for reliable, well-designed off-grid power so that Puerto Ricans can rebuild their communities,” stated Blue Planet Energy’s Vice President of Engineering Kyle Bolger.

The Blue Ion off-grid ferrous phosphate battery system has products at 8 kWh, 16 kWh, and a much larger option that can be scaled up to 450 kWh. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-311017193926.png&hash=135a7bcd2093b679e425bbd2086adb8ddfd2e7b5)

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/03/14/blue-planet-energy-supplies-energy-storage-training-puerto-rico/

Agelbert COMMENT: I applaud storage techology. This will help Puerto Ricans get off the profit over planet treadmill of fossil fuel 😈 energy price gouging for good!
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 12:54:23 pm
Blue Planet Energy Supplies Energy Storage & Training In Puerto Rico (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)
 


March 14th, 2018 by Jake Richardson

The energy storage provider Blue Planet Energy recently deployed its Blue Ion energy storage systems to support the electrification efforts in Puerto Rico.

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2018/03/Screen-Shot-2018-03-12-at-2.16.33-PM.png)
Image Credit: Blue Planet Energy

These deployments took place in areas where there has not been reliable electricity since September of 2017, when Hurricane Maria struck. One site is a volunteer housing facility in the Isabela municipality and the other is located in the Corozal municipality to provide electricity to a clean water pumping system. Blue Planet Energy is also providing support through training and education sessions.


Too many of Puerto Rico’s residents have not had a functioning electric grid since Hurricane Maria’s landfall in September. Our Blue Ion units will provide critical sites with reliable, safe and self-sustained power to ensure they can continue providing essential services to their communities. We’re proud to be able to lend our support to Puerto Rico and to contribute to its mission of rebuilding with stronger, cleaner and more reliable energy infrastructure,” said Henk Rogers, Blue Planet Energy CEO and founder.

A 16 kilowatt-hour (kWh) Blue Ion 2.0 battery unit was installed at the well pumping system in Corozal. The energy storage technology is working with a 7 kW solar power system in a remote neighborhood called Palos Blanco. This area was experiencing a lack of both clean water and reliable electricity, so the solar power and energy storage system is helping to produce both.

“Our mission on the ground in Puerto Rico is to coordinate with the EPA and FEMA to install safe drinking water stations and solar-powered pumping systems to service those that need it most, ” explained Mark Baker, Director of Disaster Response for Water Mission. This organization is working to address water safety in many rural communities in Puerto Rico.

Another 16 kWh Blue Ion system was deployed at the Las Dunas volunteer center. This facility supports aid workers who are installing solar power kits by providing them with housing and assistance. Up to 15 volunteers can be housed there, but the structure was without power until the new system was deployed.

“Partnering with Blue Planet Energy has helped to supply reliable power for our base operations, allowing us to meet our mission of deploying solar kits to areas hardest hit by Maria,” explained Walter Meyer-Rodriguez the Coastal Marine Resource Center project lead.

In fact, CMRC has plans to add over 100 more solar power + energy storage systems in under-served areas of Puerto Rico.

Blue Planet Energy also sponsored the Puerto Rico Solar Energy Industries Association’s inaugural Clean Energy Summit in San Juan in February to address how energy storage could help in the island’s recovery.

“Being on the ground in Puerto Rico and speaking with people from communities impacted by Hurricane Maria, we’ve seen firsthand the risk that centralized power systems pose and the hardship they can leave in the wake of a devastating weather event. The Blue Planet Energy team is thrilled to pass on the knowledge and tools for reliable, well-designed off-grid power so that Puerto Ricans can rebuild their communities,” stated Blue Planet Energy’s Vice President of Engineering Kyle Bolger.

The Blue Ion off-grid ferrous phosphate battery system has products at 8 kWh, 16 kWh, and a much larger option that can be scaled up to 450 kWh. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-311017193926.png&hash=135a7bcd2093b679e425bbd2086adb8ddfd2e7b5)

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/03/14/blue-planet-energy-supplies-energy-storage-training-puerto-rico/ (https://cleantechnica.com/2018/03/14/blue-planet-energy-supplies-energy-storage-training-puerto-rico/)

Agelbert COMMENT: I applaud storage techology. This will help Puerto Ricans get off the profit over planet treadmill of fossil fuel 😈 energy price gouging for good!
It really is a great product.  We are a dealer for them. The lithium iron phosphate cell has great potential...
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 12:57:56 pm
It really is a great product.  We are a dealer for them. The lithium iron phosphate cell has great potential...

How much do they cost?

RE



About 3 times the cost of a lead acid agm bank of the same capacity but should last 4 times longer. It's complicated though because each have strengths and weaknesses. It's a great product.

How much for the 8KwH version?

RE

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 12:59:42 pm
Don't quote me but the 8kW version retail 14000 canadian. That is the most expensive format though the 16 kw version close to 20000 canadian.

At those prices, I'll stick to a couple of Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Marine Batts.  ::)

RE

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:00:41 pm
for the moment that is what we recommend as well. Its still in the early adopter stage. They do have advantages due to lithiums acceptance of higher current for charging and discharging. So for an off grid scenario you can massively oversize the solar array due to cheap solar panels and get it all in with a relatively small battery bank. Lead's rate of charge/discharge is more fixed so you would have to double the bank size to equal the charge rate which lowers the cost difference. There are also some problems in our area due to Lithium's poor cold charging characteristics. I like them. I will like them more in 5 years...
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:02:58 pm
for the moment that is what we recommend as well. Its still in the early adopter stage. They do have advantages due to lithiums acceptance of higher current for charging and discharging. So for an off grid scenario you can massively oversize the solar array due to cheap solar panels and get it all in with a relatively small battery bank. Lead's rate of charge/discharge is more fixed so you would have to double the bank size to equal the charge rate which lowers the cost difference. There are also some problems in our area due to Lithium's poor cold charging characteristics. I like them. I will like them more in 5 years...

Bottom line here is I just don't see the need for so much storage or power generation.  You just need to keep a few diode lights on and keep your laptop charged up and a fridge running.  How much power does that really take?

RE

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:32:21 pm
for the moment that is what we recommend as well. Its still in the early adopter stage. They do have advantages due to lithiums acceptance of higher current for charging and discharging. So for an off grid scenario you can massively oversize the solar array due to cheap solar panels and get it all in with a relatively small battery bank. Lead's rate of charge/discharge is more fixed so you would have to double the bank size to equal the charge rate which lowers the cost difference. There are also some problems in our area due to Lithium's poor cold charging characteristics. I like them. I will like them more in 5 years...

Bottom line here is I just don't see the need for so much storage or power generation.  You just need to keep a few diode lights on and keep your laptop charged up and a fridge running.  How much power does that really take?

RE
Individually you are right but you rely on portions of the public grid you are not factoring in. For now most people in western world off grid homes or using between 2 and 30 kW Hrs of power per day. Both of those are outliers average probably 6-12 kW Hr
All my own observations of course.


I average 140 kwh/month, for about 5/day.  However, this is far more than I really need, I could quite easily get by on half that with no change in lifestyle at all.  I could get under 1 if I made a few small changes like doing outdoor refrigeration through the winter, etc.  WTF do I need 8kwh of storage for?

RE

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:33:14 pm
Well, Anchorage averages 1.5 hours of usable sun in the winter. Our problem is you get 2, 3, 4, 10 days of very little sun then 5 hours on one day. You try to size battery banks to store 2 days of usage while not destroying them. You can add extra generator time or oversizing arrays but that is the general rule. So for you: say you could make that 3kW per day we would want to store 6kW Hr while not discharging a lead acid bank more then 60-70 percent at most. For you 4 L16 6 volt 400 amp hour batteries with a 2.4 kW array. About $1600 for the battery bank good for 5-10 years depending on how you abuse it.

$1600 is more in budget, but really I don't need that much.  Beside SUN (or lack therof) we get a lot of WIND here in the valley, it comes whistling down off the mountains at least 1/2 the days where I live in the Winter.  Then in summer of course you get much more sun for much longer periods of time.  If I was really trying to go off grid and not just stay prepped for temporary outages, I think I could get away with 2kwh of storage.  I would trim my usage considerably also on days my system wasn't generating power as well.

RE

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:34:45 pm
Well, Anchorage averages 1.5 hours of usable sun in the winter. Our problem is you get 2, 3, 4, 10 days of very little sun then 5 hours on one day. You try to size battery banks to store 2 days of usage while not destroying them. You can add extra generator time or oversizing arrays but that is the general rule. So for you: say you could make that 3kW per day we would want to store 6kW Hr while not discharging a lead acid bank more then 60-70 percent at most. For you 4 L16 6 volt 400 amp hour batteries with a 2.4 kW array. About $1600 for the battery bank good for 5-10 years depending on how you abuse it.

$1600 is more in budget, but really I don't need that much.  Beside SUN (or lack therof) we get a lot of WIND here in the valley, it comes whistling down off the mountains at least 1/2 the days where I live in the Winter.  Then in summer of course you get much more sun for much longer periods of time.  If I was really trying to go off grid and not just stay prepped for temporary outages, I think I could get away with 2kwh of storage.  I would trim my usage considerably also on days my system wasn't generating power as well.

RE
The smart human is always best for these things. Its a non linear relationship between depth of discharge and life cycle for batteries which is why we do larger banks.
Sleep time...

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:35:32 pm
I've been following this discussion. I appreciate the input from a pro. David, please comment on Nickle-Iron as a PV storage choice.

And how big a bank do I need for my 4.8kW array with 5 hr sun? I was thinking two strings might be better than one. 48V.

I am probably going to do a grid-tie for our house in the canyon. I recently got a new roof (composition shingles). Any advice on the best racking attachment choices to avoid leaks?

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 01:37:15 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-191017143841.jpeg&hash=21f142befe4ed82f10ef0bdba11c22bbd3051289) Some deliberately erroneous info on the Musk Australian battery bank, that he SOLD them (he did NOT "give" them) has been posted by (not so) closet fossil fueler Palloy. The 109 MW.h figure for the battery bank quoted by Palloy is also erroneous.

Quote
At roughly five PowerPacks per MWh of energy generation, South Australia's Tesla battery setup will comprise several hundred PowerPack towers -- each containing 16 individual battery pods that balance charge. The 129MWh of batteries to be installed at Hornsdale is roughly equivalent to the capacity installed into Tesla's new electric cars during five days of Model S and Model X production at its plant in Fremont, California.
https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/07/all-the-details-on-teslas-giant-australian-batteryt/

Quote
December 28, 2017 Less than a month after Tesla unveiled a new backup power system in South Australia, the world’s largest lithium-ion battery is already being put to the test. And it appears to be far exceeding expectations: In the past three weeks alone, the Hornsdale Power Reserve has smoothed out at least two major energy outages, responding even more quickly than the coal-fired backups that were supposed to provide emergency power.

Tesla’s battery last week kicked in just 0.14 seconds after one of Australia’s biggest plants, the Loy Yang facility in the neighbouring state of Victoria, suffered a sudden, unexplained drop in output, according to the International Business Times. And the week before that, another failure at Loy Yang prompted the Hornsdale battery to respond in as little as four seconds — or less, according to some estimates — beating other plants to the punch. State officials have called the response time “a record,” according to local media.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/tesla-mega-battery-south-australia-outage-reaction-time-hornsdale-power-reserve-a8130986.html


I have warned Palloy several times about his penchant for taking every opportunity to attack anything that endangers the use of fossil fuels for energy.

He ignores all my warnings. I will not allow false information to be disseminated here. Consequently, I have deleted it and reposted it below with the portions of the Palloy post that are false eliminated.



Don't quote me but the 8kW version retail 14000 canadian. That is the most expensive format though the 16 kw version close to 20000 canadian.

At those prices, I'll stick to a couple of Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Marine Batts.  ::)

RE

"each have strengths and weaknesses", indeed.

... how a battery developed for EV car use can also be used for grid back-up...  Elon Musk ... South Australia MW.h ... ... batteries, ... ... batteries.

I am grateful to David B. for shedding accurate information on battery technology, including the one Musk uses,  instead of trying to use a forum to attack Musk.

Don't quote me but the 8kW version retail 14000 canadian. That is the most expensive format though the 16 kw version close to 20000 canadian.

At those prices, I'll stick to a couple of Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Marine Batts.  ::)

RE
"each have strengths and weaknesses", indeed.

It makes me wonder how a battery developed for EV car use can also be used for grid back-up, which is the opposite of a mobile situation, where Lead Iron Phosphate excels.  Elon Musk gave South Australia 109 MW.h of his batteries, as a loss-leader, knowing they would have to come back in 8,000 cycles time and buy some more unsuitable batteries.
We spitball this issue at work a lot. Lithium is great for fast instantaneous storage the kind they installed in Australia. Its also really good for peak shaving like they use it for in California. I won't claim insight into Musk's motives but building volume at a loss and keeping his companies in the news cycle to maintain share price are certainly part of it. I like lead carbon, flow batteries and even Aquion if they ever get their power density up. Lithium for mobile applications is hard to beat right now. Then you have to consider that when the cars are done with the batteries the batteries are still good for several thousand cycles at a lesser charge/discharge rate. Lots of startups in that area. 
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 02:07:34 pm
I've been following this discussion. I appreciate the input from a pro. David, please comment on Nickle-Iron as a PV storage choice.

And how big a bank do I need for my 4.8kW array with 5 hr sun? I was thinking two strings might be better than one. 48V.

I am probably going to do a grid-tie for our house in the canyon. I recently got a new roof (composition shingles). Any advice on the best racking attachment choices to avoid leaks?

The nickel Iron is a great chemistry but it shines best in charge discharge settings. For a grid connected system with battery backup its overkill. With an eye on doom it is worth considering though. at least twice the price of lead calcium which is the most common for data centres, elevators, hospitals etc all long life low usage batteries. Call me old fashion but I would probably suggest two strings of the less costly chemistry for redundancy. How much you store is always tricky. when we do net metered with battery backup we size the bank smaller say one day due to the fact the solar arrays for net metered systems are so large. In your case the scenario would be a grid connected inverter with the ability to sell back to the grid like the Radian:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeS-wGtlpLc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeS-wGtlpLc) from outback. Schneider and sunny boy have their versions. It charges up your battery first then feeds surplus to the grid. You then install a critical loads panel for what matters in your house just like for a backup generator. if power goes out you use the daytime hours to supplement you battery capacity by running everything that uses a lot of power during the day since the battery bank will be topped up within hours and the rest wasted. In your climate you might need to have smaller split air conditioners that can be run on solar you would run them full out while the sun is up and coast at night. Whole house units are real hogs on start up. The nice thing is even if you can't do grid tie you can grid zero  with the same setup which uses the grid to back up but feeds nothing back to it. That scenario is for when your utility is being difficult; utility push back to solar is real and growing. For mounts I like the flat plates with mastic and a drip cover. Usually you screw into a rafter and seal which can get messy if you miss but the flat plates allow you to go on the sheathing directly.  We use this one here: http://hespv.ca/fr-talon (http://hespv.ca/fr-talon)  but most suppliers have something similar.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 02:08:44 pm
Oops, dumb question. I didn't get it the way I wanted. The battery question on strings was for my off-grid set-up at the farm. I know you need to know the power usage to figure out how big a bank, but I was just hoping for an off-the-cuff idea about what would be typical for my 4800 watts of panel I have waiting to be installed. Just a ballpark.

I probably won't battery back up the house.

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 02:45:27 pm
Solar Batteries: Lithium Iron Phosphate vs Lead Acid

comparing lithium ion phosphate batteries to lead acid batteries

8 Reasons Lithium is Better for Solar Energy Storage

Sometimes newer isn’t better. But in the case of solar battery technology, the newer lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4, or LFP) defeat the older lead acid varieties in almost every way.

Without getting too technical, here are 8 reasons lithium squashes lead if you’re looking to buy and install a solar energy system in your home or business:

1. Safe enough for Grandma to use

LFP solar batteries will not explode or catch fire. They use very stable chemical compounds. They are stable even at high temperatures. And if you’re wondering about those exploding laptops and cell phones from a few years ago, those were lithium-cobalt batteries. Not the same thing.

In contrast, lead batteries have all sorts of stuff that can go wrong without proper maintenance, like spilled or leaking acid. Which leads to reason #2.

2. No need for a “solar-sitter” while you’re on vacation

Your dog might need help while you’re gone, but your lithium iron solar battery will be just fine on its own. It needs no ongoing maintenance like voltage monitoring or refills.

In contrast, lead acid requires a lot of monitoring and upkeep. Otherwise, lots of things can go wrong, including leakage, loss of power, and a big hole in your wallet. Some varieties need more work than others, like refilling the electrolyte solution with fresh water and checking specific gravity. But all of them require more technical skill and attention. See this article for all the specialized work you have to do with lead acid solar batteries.

If you have lithium iron batteries, you avoid all that maintenance and risk.

3. This is a marathon, not a sprint. LFP lasts way longer.

Again, specific data varies by brand and type. But a typical lithium iron phosphate battery will last for 8-10 years and for thousands of cycles. The sonnenbatterie, a lithium iron phosphate solar storage battery used by Coastal Solar uses, is guaranteed for a minimum of 10 years and 10,000 cycles.

How much worse are lead acid batteries? They usually last less than 3 years, and the best ones might make it to 1000 cycles. So while lead batteries cost less up front, they won’t last nearly as long, and you’ll pay for multiple replacements before the LFP would have run out.

What’s a cycle? Think of your phone. When the battery light flashes, that means you’ve ‘discharged’ the battery. Once you ‘recharge’ it back to full power, that’s one cycle. How long a cycle lasts depends on a lot of factors, such as how far down you discharge it each time and the local temperature.

4. Solar batteries care about their weight too.

Lithium batteries generally weigh less than half of what comparable lead acid batteries weigh. This means lower shipping costs, less stress during installation, and less strain on your walls, or wherever you end up installing it.

lithium iron phosphate solar batteries beat lead acid batteries

5. Lithium is “green,” even if you’re not.

You’ll have to discard your battery eventually. The chemicals in the LFP solar batteries are non-toxic and cause no harm to the environment. They contain no rare metals or what is commonly referred to as battery acid – which is very dangerous.

Lead batteries, on the other hand, use dangerous chemicals that are harmful – to you and to the fish. So even if you maintain it properly, disposing of a lead battery is environmentally problematic. Regardless of whether you consider yourself an ‘environmentalist,’ choosing lithium over lead is an easy way to help the planet and impress your friends.

6. Versatility, thy name is lithium iron phosphate

A stable battery is a huge advantage. It means you can orient it however is most convenient, and put it wherever you want. Lithium solar batteries like the sonnenbatterie can be installed indoors or outdoors, in any room of your house, and on the walls or on the floor.

While some lead acid batteries also offer some flexibility as far as not requiring it to sit a certain way, they do not offer the range of installation options of the LFPs.

7. Holding nothing back – full discharge ⚡

Remember the cycles? Lithium batteries can be fully discharged without risk and without loss of future capacity. That means longer cycles, and fewer of them.

Lead batteries can only be about 80% discharged, or they risk being damaged – this is another thing you have to monitor.

8. Stable in the face of boredom

Do batteries get bored when they aren’t being used? With LFP solar batteries, it doesn’t matter. Their capacity barely budges even when not in use, and they have minimal self-discharge. This is a huge advantage, because if you’re gone for a while or don’t need the battery for certain times of day, it will be at full capacity when you return.

But lead batteries do self-discharge and lose a lot more capacity even when not in continuous use. So you get less out of it when you need it.

There’s another battery issue called the “memory effect.” This problem actually doesn’t occur with either lithium iron phosphate or lead acid batteries, so in our little contest, they tie on this point. But it’s still good to know that the LFP holds its own on this issue.

What’s the memory effect? It’s when your battery seems to lose capacity over time at a faster rate than it should. Over time, all batteries wear out and don’t recharge as much, but this should happen at a slow rate. But some batteries have a peculiar habit of resetting their maximum based on how much you discharge it.

For example, some phones have this problem. If you only use half the capacity and then recharge it, the battery “remembers” a lower maximum capacity as a result. Thus, it stays charged for much less time in the future.


Lithium iron phosphate solar batteries do not suffer from the memory effect.

https://coastalsolar.com/lithium-iron-phosphate-vs-lead-acid/
All battery makers how shall we put it... talk up their qualities and remain quiet on their drawbacks. I won't get into a peeing match with you on this but lithium is not the end all beat all for stationary uses... At least not yet. Here are some challenges to consider and understand I'm a believer:

1) Lithium batteries are still too new and are not recycled to any great degree. That will change as volume increases.

2)they require a sophisticated battery management system without which they are a brick

3)you either get several thousand cycles or 80-90 percent discharge rates... not both

So partial truths from above:
1)lead acid maintenance, I add water to mine twice a year, sealed versions are just that sealed and require nothing for their entire lifespan

2)recyclability: I cannot force people to recycle their batteries but in this part of the world every scrap yard will pay you money for them. Lead is recycled commercially and the cost is built into the cost of purchase. Sulphuric acid is also recycled and it is a fairly easy manufactured chemical we have been making since the industrial revolution.

3) the memory effect usually only applies to nickel chemistries. in lead acid maybe sulphating could be considered memory but that is bad charging and takes continued neglect to occur.
Again, for discussion only not to pee in your sandbox.
Cheers,  David


Sure. I'm just saying that arbitrarily trashing Lithium, like Palloy wants to do, lacks objectivity. In welcome contrast, you weigh the pros and cons objectively. I respect you for that.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)

As an expert, could you inform me as to what the actual number of cycles the 129MWh set up in Australia is limited by? Do you agree with the "5,000" CORRECTION  :-[ "8,000" cycle limitation Palloy claims they have?
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2018, 04:56:13 pm
Like almost everything in RE :" It depends"
If they are cycling its bank say to a 10 percent depth and using it as some kind of peaker plant to replace building a NG facility or back up wind or account for brownout which is what the press releases say then they could easily see 10000 cycles or more. If the local grid is in more trouble and they regularly have to dip down to 70 percent or more then yes the 5000 cycles could happen. I'm no lithium expert and Tesla is extremely guarded about releasing real engineering data versus press releases. Also Lithium ages weirdly. Just because it does not meet its initial specs does not mean it's toast. You could reconfigure it for a less demanding application and/or cycle in new components. In that way its no different then rebuilding a generator in a multi generator grid. One of its challenges is you need to control its temperature, cell by cell voltage etc or else when it goes wrong it really really goes wrong. That adds a lot of complexity and fail points. All that is justified in cars, for stationary... We will see how it rolls out and ages.


Thank you for your well reasoned and informative answer. I will continue monitoring the situation in Australia. I believe the Australians made a sound decision in buying this massive battery system from Musk. Furthermore, I continue to believe the use of the adjective "unsuitable" by Palloy to describe the Australian battery bank sold to them by Musk is deliberately disingenuous disparaging of the value of a system that has already avoided brown-outs with its 4 second (or less) response time. Battery technology aside, the cost savings in electrical appliance repair and replacement due to the superior smoothing effect over fossil fuel peaker plants, that this battery bank has already demonstrated, constitutes a significant amount of money NOT spent. That is a plus for the Australian battery system that must be part of the cost/benefit analysis.

Thanks again for the information about that system I posted about in Puerto Rico. I'll pass that on to some people I know down there.

Blue Planet Energy Supplies Energy Storage & Training In Puerto Rico (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2F19.gif&hash=3f9f2fc2285bc756137e21463bc2a4c420b15ac3)
 


March 14th, 2018 by Jake Richardson

The energy storage provider Blue Planet Energy recently deployed its Blue Ion energy storage systems to support the electrification efforts in Puerto Rico.


(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2018/03/Screen-Shot-2018-03-12-at-2.16.33-PM.png)
Image Credit: Blue Planet Energy

These deployments took place in areas where there has not been reliable electricity since September of 2017, when Hurricane Maria struck. One site is a volunteer housing facility in the Isabela municipality and the other is located in the Corozal municipality to provide electricity to a clean water pumping system. Blue Planet Energy is also providing support through training and education sessions.

Too many of Puerto Rico’s residents have not had a functioning electric grid since Hurricane Maria’s landfall in September. Our Blue Ion units will provide critical sites with reliable, safe and self-sustained power to ensure they can continue providing essential services to their communities. We’re proud to be able to lend our support to Puerto Rico and to contribute to its mission of rebuilding with stronger, cleaner and more reliable energy infrastructure,” said Henk Rogers, Blue Planet Energy CEO and founder.

A 16 kilowatt-hour (kWh) Blue Ion 2.0 battery unit was installed at the well pumping system in Corozal. The energy storage technology is working with a 7 kW solar power system in a remote neighborhood called Palos Blanco. This area was experiencing a lack of both clean water and reliable electricity, so the solar power and energy storage system is helping to produce both.

“Our mission on the ground in Puerto Rico is to coordinate with the EPA and FEMA to install safe drinking water stations and solar-powered pumping systems to service those that need it most, ” explained Mark Baker, Director of Disaster Response for Water Mission. This organization is working to address water safety in many rural communities in Puerto Rico.

Another 16 kWh Blue Ion system was deployed at the Las Dunas volunteer center. This facility supports aid workers who are installing solar power kits by providing them with housing and assistance. Up to 15 volunteers can be housed there, but the structure was without power until the new system was deployed.

“Partnering with Blue Planet Energy has helped to supply reliable power for our base operations, allowing us to meet our mission of deploying solar kits to areas hardest hit by Maria,” explained Walter Meyer-Rodriguez the Coastal Marine Resource Center project lead.

In fact, CMRC has plans to add over 100 more solar power + energy storage systems in under-served areas of Puerto Rico.

Blue Planet Energy also sponsored the Puerto Rico Solar Energy Industries Association’s inaugural Clean Energy Summit in San Juan in February to address how energy storage could help in the island’s recovery.

“Being on the ground in Puerto Rico and speaking with people from communities impacted by Hurricane Maria, we’ve seen firsthand the risk that centralized power systems pose and the hardship they can leave in the wake of a devastating weather event. The Blue Planet Energy team is thrilled to pass on the knowledge and tools for reliable, well-designed off-grid power so that Puerto Ricans can rebuild their communities,” stated Blue Planet Energy’s Vice President of Engineering Kyle Bolger.

The Blue Ion off-grid ferrous phosphate battery system has products at 8 kWh, 16 kWh, and a much larger option that can be scaled up to 450 kWh. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-311017193926.png&hash=135a7bcd2093b679e425bbd2086adb8ddfd2e7b5)

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/03/14/blue-planet-energy-supplies-energy-storage-training-puerto-rico/ (https://cleantechnica.com/2018/03/14/blue-planet-energy-supplies-energy-storage-training-puerto-rico/)

Agelbert COMMENT: I applaud storage techology. This will help Puerto Ricans get off the profit over planet treadmill of fossil fuel 😈 energy price gouging for good!
It really is a great product.  We are a dealer for them. The lithium iron phosphate cell has great potential...
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 02, 2018, 06:55:19 pm
Is Sion Power’s Licerion Lithium Battery What The Electric Aviation World Has Been Waiting For?

April 2nd, 2018 by Nicolas Zart

It sounds as if the electric aviation news industry has somewhat tapered down, giving a chance for other competing electric mobility industries to make it into the limelight. But that doesn’t mean that the electric aviation industry is sitting idly either. In fact, Sion Power just announced a “breakthrough” in its Licerion lithium battery chemistry.

Licerion Lithium Battery Takes A Shot At Electric Aviation
Sion Power Licerion rechargeable lithiumSion Power made quite a stir when it announced it was ready for the production of its patented Licerion rechargeable lithium metal battery by late 2018 in its Tucson, Arizona facility. As to what a Licerion rechargeable lithium battery is, that’s a good question. Sion Power claims that it is 60% lighter than conventional Li-ion batteries, which could seriously boost the potential of electric aviation and the company’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) products. It supposedly offers a mouthwatering 500 Wh/kg, 1,000 Wh/L, and 450 cycle battery. And the best part is that if these numbers are good enough for the electric aviation industry, they surely are even better for road-bound electric vehicle (EV) markets.

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2018/04/Sion-Power-Licerion-rechargeable-lithium-1.png)

Still, we need more details. This isn’t an April 1 joke, but it’s also unclear how good the offer is and what might be missing. Individually, the Licerion cells measure 10 cm x 10 cm x 1 cm (roughly 4″ x 4″ by .3″) and offer 20 Ah for the highest energy density combination currently available. At the core, a metallic lithium thin-film anode was designed with a host of physical and chemical levels of protection to enhance the safety and the lifespan of its lithium batteries. By combining these anodes with traditional lithium-ion intercalation cathodes, the company hopes to not only reach these high-energy-density numbers but to have them manufactured by year-end.

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2018/04/Sion-Power-Licerion-rechargeable-lithium.gif)
Sion Power Licerion rechargeable lithium

Tracy Kelley, Chief Executive Officer of Sion Power, recently stated, “Over the last decade Sion Power, and our research partner BASF, have strategically focused on meticulous research and development of a next-generation lithium battery. … The result of our team’s efforts will be seen in a safe lithium metal battery that is in a class by itself. We are on track to deliver product to a select group of partners by the end of 2018.”

https://youtu.be/DIGLUbSeUBk

The Never-Ending Quest (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pic4ever.com%2Fimages%2Fth_running1.gif&hash=df122edbcf6b21409b58e70c4445a7b69f7df9b2) For High-Energy-Density Batteries 👨‍🔬

Over the past decade, we’ve seen a few prospective battery chemistries vie for the lucrative newly budding EV market — from lithium-air, to sulfur, to mysterious solid-state batteries. Although each has their pros and cons, the results have always been decidedly better than what the current generation of batteries could offer. Once ironing out the last technological hurdles, mass manufacturing needs to be solved and eventually begin. This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff.

With various new batteries demonstrating what seems to be excellent performance for EVs, once thing is becoming more and more clear — there isn’t a silver-bullet approach that is a perfect solution for EVs, not even a silver buckshot. On the contrary, there are and will continue to be many good approaches.

If it is to work out as dreamed and pitched, though, the Sion Power Licerion battery could be one of the first to bring commercial electric flight to the mass market. Maybe. Perhaps. We’ll see. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-221017161839.png&hash=7d34712243960aa20883775dad728bc2115ed6fe)


https://cleantechnica.com/2018/04/02/is-sion-powers-licerion-lithium-battery-what-the-electric-aviation-world-has-been-waiting-for/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 04, 2018, 01:49:55 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)

Tesla Plans To Triple Energy Storage Business This Year

May 3rd, 2018 by Steve Hanley

SNIPPET:

Quote
As we remind people frequently, Tesla is not a car company that also makes batteries, it is a battery company that also makes cars. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121424.gif&hash=384c17a4d2be4831084933b91808f8a60f73f7f5)(Note Google’s description in the screenshot below.) The cars get all the media attention, but the energy storage component may ultimately be more important to its stated mission of breaking the world of its fossil fuel addiction.  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcliparts.co%2Fcliparts%2FBig%2FEgq%2FBigEgqBMT.png&hash=e7eec62f009cdd686ce795fad0a53c6befe748e9)

(https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2018/05/Tesla-Energy-Storage-Company.png)

Full article with eye opening grid battery response graphics: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf)


https://cleantechnica.com/2018/05/03/tesla-plans-to-triple-energy-storage-business-this-year/

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-120118181944.png&hash=bd1f420590db5a3213f18c2338839318746c937a)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 08, 2018, 08:19:32 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

Unpacking the Energy Storage Opportunity in America

June 6, 2018

By Philip Mihlmester and Ken Collison

energy storage
         
Storage is rightfully one of the hottest topics in the energy industry right now. The potential benefits and profitability has prompted plenty of excitement — and questions — among industry leaders. And for good reason. Widespread deployment of energy storage, especially batteries, will increase substantially in the next few years. In fact, analysts project an annual market of 2,600 MW by 2022 — that’s nearly 12 times the size of the 2016 market.

There are three underlying trends driving this growth:

֍ Favorable federal and state regulations on energy storage;

֍ Falling costs for batteries due to advances in technologies;

֍ A developing ability by energy storage owners to tap into multiple revenue streams.

Storage is in a league of its own despite being a core element of distributed energy resources (DER) increasingly connecting to traditional grids with new sources of energy. In practice, storage improves grid reliability and resiliency while potentially delivering environmental benefits that surpass that of traditional grids. It’s hybrid in the sense that energy storage shares some features in common with generating facilities and other features in common with transmission assets and load. Theoretically, this means it should be able to provide a broader range of services than other energy assets. However, as with any novel technology, the array of opportunities for storage brings new types of risks that project developers and investors need to understand so they can plan for contingencies and mitigation approaches.

Knowing Where to Start

According to energy sector analysis ICF conducted in partnership with law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, a key challenge storage faces in trying to participate in wholesale energy markets today is that the rules were developed for power plants and demand response companies — which may unnecessarily limit the scope (and therefore compensation) of storage services. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently working to clear a path to wholesale market participation for storage providers. In fact, the FERC has issued four orders in recent years that help energy storage. In November 2016, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) introducing transparent market rules for energy storage facilities to participate in organized markets run by regional transmission organizations (RTO) and independent system operators (ISO). In February 2018, FERC issued its final rule (Order 841) requiring ISO and RTO markets to establish market rules that properly recognize the physical, operational and capacity characteristics of electric storage resources.

FERC’s recent moves aim squarely at removing market barriers to participation and laying the regulatory groundwork for offering strong incentives tied to storage resource development. However, a mountain of work still remains to be done to realize the full potential of energy storage throughout the country. Here’s where America’s key energy stakeholders should begin.

Take steps to resolve uncertainty.

Heed industry advice and don’t be afraid to ask for interpretive guidance or a declaratory order from FERC stating how the commission will apply its regulations to a certain set of facts. These options typically require both time and filing fees, but they could help settle important questions. Further, some state regulators also offer a procedural option of requesting declaratory relief or an advisory opinion on regulatory matters. For example, Tesla obtained an advisory ruling from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities in September 2017 that said certain small-scale batteries paired with solar generating facilities are eligible for net metering. The ruling was issued less than four months after Tesla filed a petition that prompted Massachusetts to open a general docket on eligibility of energy storage for net metering.

Draft storage contracts to address potential changes in the regulatory regime.

A key takeaway from our analysis with Norton Rose Fulbright: this could mean including a mechanism to revisit pricing in the event of a change in law. Alternatively, the parties could be required to enter into good-faith negotiations to restore the benefit of each party’s bargain after a change in law.

Combine energy storage with other generating assets.

For example, many rooftop solar companies are deploying storage alongside solar installations. Combining storage with generating assets with stable revenue and well-defined market participation rules helps mitigate the risk that changes in market rules may reduce or eliminate revenues from a specific storage service.

It is also important for storage stakeholders to understand that an investment tax credit (ITC) can be claimed on the cost of a storage facility — with regulators taking stock of how the mix of electricity stored changes over the first five years when the credit is exposed to full or partial recapture. In fact, the IRS requires no more than 25 percent of the energy stored to come from other sources than the solar or wind facility tied to the energy storage asset, and then the percentage of other energy storage determines the amount of investment tax credit that can be claimed. For example, if 10 percent of the storage energy is from other sources the first year, then only 90 percent of the full ITC can be claimed. If the percentage of other energy stored increases in any of the next four years, the credit is subject to partial recapture.

The best way for owners to mitigate this type of risk is thorough and accurate modeling of system operation under the full range of operating conditions, and with the system providing all anticipated energy services. To the extent the offtaker has a right to control charging, the asset owner may want to build in a right to recover any ITC-related recapture or losses. A complete picture is needed for owners, utilities and regulators to estimate the fraction of charging energy supplied by a linked, or nearby, solar or wind project — depending on each case.

Understanding Performance Risks — and Preparing for Their Possibility

New technology carries obvious performance risks. As our report points out, poor performance jeopardizes contracts and could subject developers to heavy non-performance penalties in certain wholesale markets. That remains true in the energy storage world.

In practice, manufacturer warranties and other performance guarantees and even insurance policies can help. They currently exist for rooftop solar, for example. They need to be developed for storage as well. Developers should make sure that adding storage to other forms of generation will not invalidate any performance guarantees attached to the generating facility.

Developers usually buy batteries directly from the manufacturer and focus primarily on system integration. If the developer does not have a comprehensive understanding of battery capabilities and limitations, such as maximum charge and discharge rates, thermal requirements and cycle life, there is a strong possibility that the control room will mismanage the battery, and the overall system will be unable to satisfy power purchase agreement performance expectations, with the potential for adverse financial impacts or litigation. Ultimately, performance risk should be considered both in terms of initial system performance risk and long-term performance risk.

It’s crucial for energy storage owners to come up with an appropriate O&M plan based on a thorough understanding of how the battery will work. In addition to periodic battery replacement, that plan includes having spare power conditioning equipment (inverters, voltage converters) and service technicians available to address unplanned outages or degraded capabilities. Most energy storage systems have continuous monitoring, and, to an increasing degree, developers are providing this service in-house. This enables faster detection and resolution of system performance. Independent engineers evaluating system design usually also evaluate the O&M plan.

Getting Utilities Up to Speed

Relatively few utilities have significant experience with energy storage. Consequently, developers proposing novel storage projects to utilities should expect that the interconnection process will take time. In addition, if a proposed project provides any service that may require on-peak charging, the utility might need costly network upgrades that would otherwise not be necessary. As more utilities gain experience with storage, the duration of the interconnection agreement process will decline.

Until then, developers can minimize delays by:

֍ Ensuring that their interconnection applications are clear and complete;

֍ Responding rapidly to utility information requests;

֍ Maintaining frequent communication with utility personnel.

The cost of interconnection network upgrades may be reduced by avoiding services that will require on-peak charging, but the value of such services may exceed the incremental cost of the network upgrades. To get in front of this, developers can help identify the least expensive interconnection location by asking the utility to do an interconnection feasibility assessment early in the process. In general, it’s advisable for all stakeholders to get ahead of procedural, logistical and connectivity issues tied to storage.

Embracing an Energy Storage Future

The lack of clarity about regulatory treatment at the federal level is the biggest challenge ahead for government, utility and industry players exploring energy storage futures. The importance for all parties involved to understand regulatory implications of incorporating energy storage into the mix is increasingly vital as retail sales-generating projects that combine energy storage with renewable power generation enter the market.

Further, stakeholders will need to navigate around existing U.S. law that does not explicitly clarify whether energy storage units qualify for regulatory exemptions typically claimed by small-scale renewable energy generators, or how adding storage to a small power plant affects the generator’s own regulatory exemptions. Storage owners will need to understand where regulatory and utility boundaries are — and how operations fit into them.

https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/06/unpacking-the-energy-storage-opportunity-in-america.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 14, 2018, 09:34:20 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeothermalexpo.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F06%2FREW-logo-new.jpg&hash=7d8fc0fe077063b22ad6ea5565b7366c128b757b)

Regulators Approve Five Grid-Scale Lithium-Ion Battery Projects 💫 for Southern California

June 8, 2018

By Renewable Energy World Editors

(https://aemstatic-ww2.azureedge.net/content/rew/en/articles/2018/06/regulators-approved-five-gridscale-lithiumion-battery-projects-for-southern-california/_jcr_content/leftcolumn/article/headerimage.img.png/1528393299785.png)
         
Regulators in California gave San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) approval to move forward with development of five grid-scale lithium-ion battery projects in San Diego and Orange counties.

The five projects will deliver a total of 83.5 MW/334 MWh to SDG&E’s energy storage portfolio. SDG&E submitted the projects to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in April 2017.

According to SDG&E, the projects include:

֍ A 30-MW/120-MWh lithium-ion battery storage facility in San Diego, Calif., that will be built by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) America and will be completed by December 2019

֍ A 4-MW/16-MWh lithium-ion battery storage facility in San Juan Capistrano, Calif, that will be built by Advanced Microgrid Solutions and will be completed by December 2019

֍ A 40-MW/160-MWh lithium-ion battery facility in Fallbrook, Calif., that will be built by Fluence and will be completed by March 2021

֍ A 6.5-MW/26-MWh lithium-ion battery storage facility in Escondido, Calif., that will be built by Powin Energy and will be completed by June 2021

֍ A 3-MW/12-MWh lithium-ion battery storage facility in Poway, Calif., that will be built by Enel Green Power and will be completed by December 2021

The PUC also approved a demand response program equaling 4.5 MW. OhmConnect will provide the demand response service.

Lead image credit: San Diego Gas & Electric

https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/06/regulators-approved-five-gridscale-lithiumion-battery-projects-for-southern-california.html
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 20, 2018, 05:49:18 pm
I have been meaning to get back to this.... but I have been behind the ball lately. I stick with my CORDED power tools for resilience, position....

But since we clearly have some Electrical guys here...and me being a luddite, I see an opportunity.

I have a decent solar system... but that only lasts until the batteries die. Some people have solar that feeds into the grid. No grid, no batteries, done.

But here is a question I have to reach out to electrical guys for.

Can someone tell me about a practical DC motor that I can get some work out of by directly  tying it into the solar panels. Only works when sun is available.

Give me your thoughts guys. Can it be turned into, say, a wood saw.... or.... something that turns a reworked  generator for sunny day, power tool use.

That should give you folks something to chat about or share your knowledge of where to look for someone doing similar.

There is no easy way to run directly off the solar panels being marketed today at insanely cheap prices. the charge controllers that are charging batteries today are using panel strings of 70-200 volts and converting it down to 12-48 and are referred to as MPPT chargers. They absolutely need a battery to feed to or they won't feed out. The older charge controllers that were just a complicated switch were operating panels that matched the voltage of the battery banks and are called PWM controllers. those ones will sometimes feed out without a battery but its iffy. As RE mentioned it would technically be possible to run a 36 volt motor off of the 60 cell 200-300 watt panels. They output in full sun at about 32-40 volts at 6-8 amps. It would be tricky though. Say you wanted to run a table saw you would want to re jig it to incorporate a flywheel of some sort or have 2 or 3 panels hooked up in parallel to have 2 or 3 times the amps of the motor to draw from in case the sun goes away or you bog down. To me that is a waste of resources since if batteries are toast panels which are way more complicated will fetch a premium and weird voltage dc motors would be almost non existent. BUT... Even an almost dead battery bank as long as the cells have not shorted out can be the buffer you need to run the controllers and act as a pass through for the power from the panels. The trick would be to start treating your batteries as irreplaceable. In times of crisis think of them as delicate senior citizens. You eliminate all the shocks we inflict on them daily. In that scenario you wait for the sun to be out and charging at more then what you need and start turning on devices to match the sun; freezer/fridge conversion, well pump with an insanely large pressure tank, maybe some electric chainsaw work etc. All of these are usually inverter functions. You aim to use almost all the solar in passthrough and DO things with it and dribble a little to your geriatric batteries to keep them charged and as alive as they can be. When the sun goes away you power down all the ac, turn off the inverter and coast on a few dc led lights. You've stored the energy as cold, pressurized water and sawn wood instead of chemical potential energy. In that kind of scenario the 2000 cycle battery bank can be pushed into the 8000 cycles realm and if we have not figured out something different within 20 years we are already dead anyways since that is the lifespan of the inverters charge controllers etc,,, Its more complicated then that and would require beer a sketch pad, a pencil and me waving my hands a lot but that is the jist of it. Its easy enough to experiment with if you want; find a poor old battery bank from a recycler at the same voltage as your existing one and switch over to model a battery of much diminished capabilities and practice using power directly.I know a nice old lady in the woods who lasted 14 years on her original undersized batteries with very minor lifestyle hacks let alone the hard core alterations proposed above. Food for thought. Back to work...
Cheers,  David

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 20, 2018, 05:55:29 pm
I can't ever see running any device straight off the panels without a batt system of some sort to have a power buffer while working.  What if the clouds come out right when you are in the middle of ripping some plywood?  One old 12V Car Batt in decent shape will do for a buffer in most cases I would say, however brand spanking new a deep cycle marine batt isn't that expensive.  I just bought a new one for the old Bugout Machine at Batteries & Bulbs for $90.  Duracell, good brand.

In terms of power to do your chores, as I mentioned my 1000W 36V DC motors would turn just about anything including a concrete saw.  You can get bigger than that though if you want to run a **** sawmill or something.  I looked at buying this 5000W motor to soup up my Ewz and make it into a towing powerhouse and/or Cripple Racing Machine.  You can get different models operating at 48V, 72V or 96V.


(https://www.goldenmotor.com/img/5KWFanCooling.jpg)

RE

Yup. That is the scale we are talking about. Mini, Micro scale sawmill. Something like a band saw. Enough to buck up coppice wood... or run a wheat grinder. If the job gets called by cloud... it's done. Do do something else. C5 rule of survival. If all else fails, lower your expectations.

I do seem to recall, back in the old days, there were DC motors long before we switched to AC. I am guessing there are some sitting in some old barns as antiques. But it is like searching for the secrets of the pyramids or the arc of the covenant.

I know its there. I hope it is there. It just takes some Gandolf to step in and say, "Ya the P37 R2D2 jack motor. My granddad used to pump the well with it". I'm looking for "the holy grail"

I have found the best source for variable dc motors to be treadmills. I have a few of them in my pile of interesting things. They would work on any panel from 12 volt to 100 volts combined voltage. They would work for pumps, bandsaws etc. For **** and giggles take a look at this guy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7gp3XjsH64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7gp3XjsH64)
He makes homemade 12 volt batteries. a rack of these would act as the passthrough battery i mentioned above. my point is just that we always talk about the batteries but from a construction point of view they are the simplest component to recreate in a scaled down world. Much easier then a motor.

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 20, 2018, 06:57:14 pm
ENERGY STORAGE

Residential Batteries Almost Beat Out Utility-Scale Deployments Last Quarter

Home energy storage projects rivaled utility-scale deployments for the first time, according to GTM Research’s latest Energy Storage Monitor.

JULIAN SPECTOR JUNE 06, 2018

(https://dqbasmyouzti2.cloudfront.net/assets/content/cache/made/content/images/articles/Energy-storage-home-battery-concept-XL_721_420_80_s_c1.jpg)
Residential storage has been growing in popularity and prominence.

The historically tiny residential energy storage segment won big in Q1 2018, according to the latest deployment data.

Utility-scale projects, the usual workhorse of the energy storage industry, dropped massively compared to last year’s Q1, when the Aliso Canyon procurements came online and set a record for energy capacity. What saved the quarter from historically low performance turned out to be the aggregate growth of all the little systems popping up in customers' homes.

"Residential storage has been growing in popularity and prominence," said Brett Simon, senior analyst at GTM Research. "It’s getting cheaper. Folks are more aware of it and are asking for it. Solar installers are doubling down on it as a new business model."  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-280917164227.png&hash=67b47a6a2c29f13507ed2ee30cdba12743fb859e)

Residential deployments beat commercial deployments, 15.9 megawatts to 11.7 megawatts, according to the latest Energy Storage Monitor from GTM Research and the Energy Storage Association. Even more impressively, home batteries rivaled utility-scale deployments, which only clocked in at 16 megawatts.

That’s an unprecedented and jolting development that is worth emphasizing.

Ever since GTM Research began tracking storage deployments in 2013, residential batteries appeared as the faintest of slivers on the industrywide bar graph, nonzero but totally insubstantial.

Now, for the first time, the smattering of a few kilowatts here and there has nearly overtaken the giants of grid-scale mega-projects. That's a result both of the mega-projects not showing up this quarter and the micro-projects swarming into action.

The historically tiny residential energy storage segment won big in Q1 2018, according to the latest deployment data.

Utility-scale projects, the usual workhorse of the energy storage industry, dropped massively compared to last year’s Q1, when the Aliso Canyon procurements came online and set a record for energy capacity. What saved the quarter from historically low performance turned out to be the aggregate growth of all the little systems popping up in customers' homes.

"Residential storage has been growing in popularity and prominence," said Brett Simon, senior analyst at GTM Research. "It’s getting cheaper. Folks are more aware of it and are asking for it. Solar installers are doubling down on it as a new business model."

Dialing into the numbers, it’s clear that California and Hawaii drove this newfound strength with state-level growth that merits no less than the technical designation: "bonkers."

California’s resi sector rose 3,833 percent year-over-year in terms of megawatts, 4,324 percent in terms of megawatt-hours. The fact that energy capacity grew more reflects that these systems are sizing up to hold more duration.

(https://dqbasmyouzti2.cloudfront.net/assets/content/cache/made/content/images/articles/Q1_2018_residential_storage_deployments_XL_1234_1030_80.jpg)
Those two states accounted for 74 percent of the home systems deployed.

Notably, there wasn't any extreme, one-off event driving the surge in residential deployments in the way that the Aliso Canyon procurements did for big projects a year ago. That means that the forces that produced this quarter's outcome — transitions away from solar net metering, new business models with low upfront costs, newfound interest in resilience — will likely continue through the year.

In fact, the first two quarters of storage installations tend to be smaller than the last two, based on how the industry has operated historically. Such a large opening quarter hints at an even bigger second half.

"The residential market this year is going to be over five times the size of the market last year, in megawatt terms," Simon said.

The future looks even brighter, thanks to the California Energy Commission’s newly passed solar PV mandate for new homes starting in 2020. GTM Research calculates that this policy will cause a 26 percent upside in its base-case residential storage projection for 2020 onward.

Bigger doesn't always mean better

Meanwhile, the utterly California-dominated commercial sector continued its zig-zaggy volatility, dropping 53 percent from its record high last quarter. California giveth and California taketh away.

The nature of utility-scale construction lends itself to even more lumpiness in its quarterly swings.

Last quarter, only five projects hit the wires. That said, they managed to deliver the third-highest energy capacity of any quarter, because each new project delivered 4-hour duration.

The only two quarters with more energy deployed included the Aliso Canyon rollout, when Southern California delivered a massive, fast-tracked procurement to deal with a regional gas constraint.

Though quarterly deployments dropped compared to last year, the pipeline for front-of-the-meter storage increased 76 percent in a year, from 9,217 megawatts to 16,196 megawatts.

Overall, the industry is on track to deliver 557 megawatts this year, and GTM expects the annual deployments will hit 3,688 megawatts in 2023, the final year of its projection. That’s up 12 percent or 909 megawatts from the projection last quarter, due to promising developments since that time.

Miscellaneous signs o’ the times:

California has officially pulled ahead of PJM as the largest cumulative storage market. This actually happened before the last quarterly report, but hasn’t gotten a ton of play. PJM kicked off the utility-scale storage industry, but its frequency regulation market has essentially stopped growing. Thus, the baton has passed to California, where a much wider menu of services and market products promise more robust long-term growth. (In the apples-to-apples comparison of just utility-scale, PJM still leads by 100 megawatts.)

All of the utility-scale projects in Q1 had 4-hour duration. So long frequency reg, with your short-duration systems.
Front-of-the-meter battery deployments happened in Florida and Arizona. Texas and California, which led the previous quarter, didn't show up this time.

In the weeds but indicative of a broader trend, the researchers added two new states to the roster that they track quarterly: Colorado and Nevada. Both had promising new policy developments and utility activities to presage a more active storage market in the years ahead.
***

Download the free executive summary of the U.S. Energy Storage Monitor here.

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/residential-batteries-almost-beat-utility-scale-deployments-last-quarter#gs.tn6l9EE

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 27, 2018, 08:33:16 pm
World’s First Battery For Offshore Wind Completed At Floating Offshore Wind Farm

June 27th, 2018 by Joshua S Hill

Norwegian energy company Equinor announced this week that it has completed the installation of the world’s first battery for an offshore wind farm at its 30 megawatt (MW) Hywind Scotland floating offshore wind farm, which is the world’s first floating wind farm.

Hywind Scotland - World's First Floating Wind FarmFirst approved by the Scottish Government back in late 2015, Hywind Scotland began generating electricity in October of last year and, in February, Equinor (then known as Statoil) revealed that not only has the project been a success, but that the project is outperforming expectations and generating electricity at levels consistently above that of its seabound offshore cousins, wind turbines that are built into the seafloor.

Even before Hywind was completed and operational, however, the two companies behind the project — Statoil/Equinor and Masdar — conceived of plans to add a battery storage option to the project, which would be the first time a battery storage project has been attached to an offshore wind energy project. The project was given the go-ahead, and earlier this year the two companies announced they would use the project, known as Batwind, to further study the potential of integrating battery systems with wind and solar.

Announced on Wednesday, Equinor revealed that Batwind has been completed and the 1 MW battery provided by Younicos, and located at an onshore substation, will now be able to dynamically balance power from the offshore wind farm.

#Batwind, which stores energy ⚡ from the floating wind farm #Hywind, was opened in Peterhead, Scotland today.

— Equinor (@Equinor) June 27, 2018

“The variability of renewable energy can to a certain extent be managed by the grid,” said Sebastian Bringsvaerd, Development Manager for Hywind and Batwind. “But to make renewable energy more competitive and integrate even more renewables to the grid, we will need to find new, smart solutions for energy storage to provide firm power. How to do this in a smart and value creating way is what we are aiming to learn from Batwind.”

“We’re very proud to partner with Equinor and provide our expertise from over 200 megawatts of storage projects to this pioneering project,” added Karim Wazni, Managing Director of Younicos. “By adding energy storage capabilities to another world “first” – the world’s first floating wind farm – we hope to demonstrate the essential role that storage plays as we continue pushing the frontier in producing sustainable energy. Specifically, we’ve equipped Batwind with our intelligent Y.Q software, which ensures that the battery ’learns’ the optimal storage conditions. Our software tells the battery when to store electricity and for how long, and when and how much to inject back onto the grid.”

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/06/27/worlds-first-battery-for-offshore-wind-completed-at-floating-offshore-wind-farm/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 09, 2018, 02:38:52 pm
INSIDEEVs

August 9, 2018

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Tesla Batteries 🕵️

https://youtu.be/kGFiaWvD-KI

You have questions, Two Bit da Vinci has answers.  ;D

One of the main reasons Tesla is where it is today is because of batteries. They attacked the problem of electric vehicle range — the traditional weak point of EVs — by choosing the most energy-dense cell available and then developed the battery pack to suit its needs. The result was a more than 200 miles of range and all the power needed to not only turn heads, but to turn an entire industry on its ear.

Read more: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-130418200416.png&hash=15d789b29124aa5a1f1ea397ce630913734b20a4)

https://insideevs.com/everything-about-tesla-batteries-video/

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 12, 2018, 03:47:45 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)

(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2018/08/How-to-Understand-Battery-Life-thomas-kelley-74096-unsplash-e1533333357185.jpg)
Volt meter image by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash; container storage image from company

How to Understand Battery Life

August 12th, 2018 by Sponsored Content

The idea that batteries have a ‘life’ is familiar. We’ve all experienced a ‘dying’ cell phone battery with its charge draining, usually at the most inconvenient time. And you might be curious about how this affects long-duration energy storage. To fully understand battery life, let’s start with a few fundamentals.

How to Understand Battery Life

Battery Fundamentals

A battery stores energy in chemical form, then converts it into electrical energy. Battery ‘life’ refers to three characteristics: performance, longevity, and capacity.

Let’s explain the semantics of these words a bit further:

Performance life is the run time of a battery on full charge.

Longevity refers to the number of charge cycles a battery can take before it no longer charges.

Capacity means that a new battery will charge up to 100% but an older battery will charge possibly up to 70%. For example, the Tesla Powerwall has a warranty of ten years at 70% capacity. Tesla recognizes that the battery will lose 30% or more in capacity over time. High DoD also affects capacity negatively.

Rechargeable batteries have a finite life. Every time you charge your phone, for example, small (and detrimental) changes occur to the battery’s electrodes. Eventually, these changes will kill the battery, preventing it from being able to charge or store energy.

Why ‘Depth of Discharge’ Affects Battery Life

The number of times you charge a battery affects its lifespan, but so does the depth of discharge (DoD) – how much energy of the total battery capacity is drawn off at a time.

You may have received instructions about your cell phone telling you to recharge the battery before it completely ‘dies.’ That’s because a 100% depth of discharge puts stress on a battery and shortens its lifespan. Think of it like driving an older car and letting the engine oil run out. You may be able to drive for several hundred (or thousand) miles, but eventually, the engine will stop working. A battery responds similarly. Consistently drawing a high level of energy per use disrupts the interior of the battery and affects performance.

When purchasing rechargeable batteries, especially those for solar power storage, the depth of discharge becomes an essential qualifier of performance. You may see battery labeling showing a range of lifecycle options such as 25,000 cycles at 30% DoD or 1,000 cycles at 75% DoD.

Cost Implications of Depth of Discharge for Solar Storage

When you shift to stored solar power for your home or business, you’ll likely want the option of a deeper discharge. Why? Because you’ll need access to as much stored energy as possible to keep lights, appliances, and other devices fully functioning. But remember, drawing down the battery deeply in the short run will reduce the number of cycles the battery operate effectively.

The result is a higher cost per kWh over the shortened lifespan of the battery. For example:

Let’s say your 10-kWh lithium-ion battery costs $6,000 and promises 1,000 cycles at 80% DoD. That means you’ll have 8,000 kWh across its life (10 kWh x 1,000 cycles x .8 ), and you’ll pay $0.75 per kWh ($6,000 / 8,000).
If you run the same battery at 20% DoD, you may see 10,000 cycles or 20,000 kWh across its life – and only pay $0.30 per kWh. Unfortunately, you may not be able to power all your appliances or lights when you need them.


The Vanadium Advantage

Vanadium flow batteries and battery life are different than traditional lithium-ion batteries. A vanadium battery uses a liquid, non-flammable electrolyte solution to store energy, enabling it to deliver at 100% depth of discharge without degrading capacity over time. This means a StorEn* vanadium battery provides the full power you need for thousands of cycles and many years – keeping the cost per kWh for solar storage lower than other options. Furthermore, the electrolyte is 100% reusable in a new battery, which means there is no need to mine new vanadium.

You can find out more about StorEn’s products and invest in their reliable, cost-effective technology by visiting their investment campaign.

*Full disclosure: This post is supported by StorEn Technologies. CleanTechnica does not provide investment advice of any kind. Please consult an investment professional or use your own independent judgement on investment matters.

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/08/12/how-to-understand-battery-life/

Quote
Shiggity

A big difference that I've found is cells vs. pouches.

Pouches suck. They're structurally weak, prone to thermal runaway, and are harder to control at a fine software level.

Flow batteries will be great in places that need massive energy dumps and influxes, like smelting aluminum and steel. Or sitting on a large distribution center. Flow batteries are annoying because they are super heavy and big, you typically need a large crane to get them installed, which is spendy.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 20, 2018, 04:54:48 pm
INSIDEEVs

The Truth About Tesla Model 3 Batteries: Part 2

Published on Aug 18, 2018  89,024 views  :o ;D

https://youtu.be/TdUqQZC2dcE

Two Bit da Vinci

Go HERE (http://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/renewables/is-that-onions-you-smell-or-battery-juice/msg10573/#msg10573) to view Part 1.  8)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 31, 2018, 05:52:22 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)


Tesla “Big Battery” Responds To “Power System Emergency” In Australia  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-020818221610-1607296.jpeg&hash=372bed297059a182447c4cb001615d5e8346adcc)

August 29th, 2018 by Steve Hanley

Last Saturday afternoon, lighting strikes in Australia temporarily interrupted transmission lines that interconnect the electrical grids in the eastern part of the country. For a time, the grids in Queensland and South Australia were turned into energy islands, cut off from the national grid infrastructure. The Australian Energy Market Operator termed the incident a “power system emergency.”

(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2018/05/Hornsdale-Power-Reserve-2.jpg)
Tesla big battery in South Australia

Customers in New South Wales and Victoria experienced widespread power outages while those in in Queensland and South Australia noticed little more than a momentary flicker of their lights. In Queensland, that happy circumstance was due to an abundance of renewable energy available to meet that state’s energy needs. Some of the excess was being shared with NSW before the transmission line between the two was put out of commission.

South Australia was largely unaffected, thanks to the Hornsdale Power Reserve, known affectionately in SA as the “Tesla Big Battery.” It kicked in immediately to add 84 MW of power to the state’s electrical grid and stabilize the frequency of the local grid, which was disturbed when the link to neighboring Victoria was disrupted.

The success of the “Big Battery” was a silent rebuke to new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a Donald Trump wannabe who channeled US senator James Inhofe when he brought a lump of coal onto the floor of parliament earlier this year to demonstrate his love of coal. In July, Morrison uttered these sage words to demonstrate his vast storehouse of knowledge about energy policies:

“I mean, honestly, by all means have the world’s biggest battery, have the world’s biggest banana, have the world’s biggest prawn like we have on the roadside around the country, but that is not solving the problem.” The Big Banana is an amusement park located in Coffs Harbor in northern NSW.


(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2018/08/Big-Banana-NSW-768x328.jpg)
Big Banana NSW

Last year, Morrison went out of his way to mock the Tesla battery installation in South Australia. “I don’t care if it’s wind, coal, the world’s biggest battery, but you’ve got to measure it on its contribution, and it doesn’t measure up to a big solution. 30,000 SA households could not get through watching one episode of Australia’s Ninja Warrior with this big battery. So let’s not pretend it is a solution.”

As RenewEconomy so cogently points out, “The Tesla big battery, also known as the Hornsdale Power Reserve, was able to play a key role in helping keep the grid stable and the lights on in South Australia on Saturday, in its biggest threat since the 2016 blackout. It did solve a problem. Morrison’s Big Banana, on the other hand, wasn’t able to lift a finger to help customers in NSW. Such a shame they didn’t have a battery to help them.” It also noted that people in SA were able to watch their tellies uninterrupted by the crisis.

The outage occurred on the first day of Morrison’s term in office after ousting Malcolm Turnbull last week. Compounding the ignorance of his administration, Matt Canavan, the country’s new resources minister, told The Australian after the event, “The system has heightened vulnerability because of the reliance on interstate and unreliable power. More investment in coal, gas or hydro would firm up the system, create more supply and bring down prices.”

That’s a lie. When the interstate transmission lines went down, NSW was forced to shed 724 MW of load and Victoria 280 MW. In South Australia, no load was shed. None. As in, not any. AEMO said after the event the outages had nothing to do with any loss of generation. In fact, no generator — whether coal, gas, wind or solar — tripped off as a result of the transmission failure. So, sorry, Matt Canavan — no amount of extra generating capability would have helped the situation.

Morrison has appointed Angus Taylor, a fierce critic of renewable energy policies, as his new energy minister, leading the Australian Clean Energy Council to declare that is is now up to the individual states to move the renewable energy revolution forward with no expectation of assistance from the federal government, according to a report by Energy Matters.

If you think it is merely a coincidence that Australia and the US are both now hostages to fossil fuel advocates 🐉🦕🦖 , you are simply not paying attention.
Despite some recent efforts to greenwash themselves, the fossil fuel interests are busy committing crimes against humanity in the background while they continue to stuff their pockets with oil-soaked cash and coal-polished coins, and then use some of that money to buy influence at the highest levels.

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/08/29/tesla-big-battery-responds-to-power-system-emergency-in-australia/

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on September 24, 2018, 01:25:02 pm
Michigan utility unveils new battery at university (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-250718204746.gif&hash=ef3006b22f07724d45868cab1dae91b1dff31327)(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-250718210628.gif&hash=a297e44320f13fa5f3eae64809a46139f5e2395a)

Sep. 22, 2018

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan utility has unveiled a new battery to store renewable energy at Western Michigan University.

The battery can store enough solar and wind energy to supply about 1,000 homes with an hour of power  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-080515182559.png&hash=d4dfa952fa0f817bf30a8059a4c88d6fb05ee1bf) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-141113185047.png&hash=384024358ff8d5e7133d19b6e6638da4584a8154), said Consumers Energy Project Manager Nathan Washburn. The battery will be used to keep energy output stable even when there’s cloud coverage, he said.

“This battery is a big step forward for Consumers,”  Washburn said. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121424.gif&hash=384c17a4d2be4831084933b91808f8a60f73f7f5)

Consumers Energy partnered with the university in 2016 to create an 8.5-acre solar power plant. The new battery will store power from the plant and provide energy to residents in the region, said Tim Sparks, vice president of electric grid integration for Consumers Energy.

“In the future we do believe that these will be one of the main sources of electricity for our toolbox,” Sparks said.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060518153110.png&hash=39d587c31b7f7e66b30d7e59bb560e2ad0662eee)

The company and Michigan State University consultants will study the facility to determine how battery storage could be used around Michigan. Western Michigan University will also be able to work with the utility on electric battery research and operations.

“With the solar array and now the first battery, we have this rare combination to both generate solar power and then think about how to store it and use it for consumers,” WMU President Edward Montgomery said. “For meeting peak-load demands, meeting those times during cloudy days. How do you solve those problems? And we can be at the forefront of that.”

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton said more than 40 percent of the state’s electricity will be from renewable energy sources by 2040. 👍

“To do that you have to have battery storage for when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine,” he said. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121649.png&hash=4554f7e59701d12857946aece16bceb973c997b3)

https://apnews.com/d2f16d41654748d98522b6c2701c7495/Michigan-utility-unveils-new-battery-at-university

Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 01, 2018, 06:32:16 pm
September 30th, 2018 by Zachary Shahan

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.uglyhedgehog.com%2Fupload%2F2012%2F8%2F14%2F1344970546338-awesome_mc_ht_smiley.gif&hash=3ae7abfc4fed4417a941b6f116204b754f1e587f)

Quote
Batteries for electric cars and other light-duty electric vehicles grew from an output of 1 GWh in 2011 to an output of 37 GWh in 2017. Furthermore, batteries for electric buses hit another 26 GWh in 2017. 😎

(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2018/09/Electric-Car-Sales-H1-2018.png)

(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2018/09/EV-Sales-H1-2018.png)

Read More; (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818184310-1635923.gif&hash=5e2530db4748ed6c7163e1d478fdfa3cd1108668)

Chart: Global Shifts In EV Battery Chemistry (+ Electric Car Sales Grow 66%) (https://cleantechnica.com/2018/09/30/chart-global-shifts-in-ev-battery-chemistry-electric-car-sales-grow-66/)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on October 18, 2018, 02:03:09 pm
(https://www.tabuchiamerica.com/sites/default/files/pictures/banner-residential_0.jpg)

Tabuchi Eco Intelligent Battery System (EIBS) 💫(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-250718210628.gif&hash=a297e44320f13fa5f3eae64809a46139f5e2395a)

https://youtu.be/9sSfnIL6elc

Learn more: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818185038-16442135.gif&hash=52927992b43007fa5c5eb6ffcb453ae29948c356) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-141113185047.png&hash=384024358ff8d5e7133d19b6e6638da4584a8154)

https://www.tabuchiamerica.com/residential


Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on November 09, 2018, 02:55:45 pm
What Is A Solid-State Battery and Will They Solve Our Battery Life Problems?

MICHAEL CRIDER  @michaelcrider

NOVEMBER 9, 2018, 6:40AM EDT

SNIPPET:

Solid-state batteries promise a few distinct advantages over their liquid-filled cousins: better battery life, faster charging times, and a safer experience.

Solid-state batteries compress the anode, cathode, and electrolyte into three flat layers instead of suspending the electrodes in a liquid electrolyte. That means you can make them smaller—or at least, flatter—while holding as much energy as a larger liquid-based battery. So, if you replaced the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery in your phone or laptop with a solid-state battery the same size, it would get a much longer charge. Alternatively, you can make a device that holds the same charge much smaller or thinner.

Solid-state batteries are also safer, since there’s no toxic, flammable liquid to spill, and they don’t output as much heat as conventional rechargeable batteries. When applied to batteries that power current electronics or even electric cars, they might recharge much faster, too—ions could move much more quickly from the cathode to the anode.

According to the latest research, a solid-state battery could outperform conventional rechargeable batteries by 500% or more in terms of capacity, and charge ⚡ up in a tenth of the time. 👍

Read more: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060914180936.jpeg&hash=5e39d70fafe4e7190a6eebce34b740c58721de3f)

https://www.howtogeek.com/393503/what-is-a-solid-state-battery-and-will-they-solve-our-battery-life-problems/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on November 30, 2018, 08:44:55 pm
Common battery types used in solar+storage

By Kelly Pickerel | November 27, 2018

SNIPPET:

Incorporating energy storage into a solar array is not as easy as just picking a battery off the shelf. Certain chemistries work better in certain environments, and storage capabilities are influenced by the solar application.
(https://3vq5kdns38e1qxlmvvqmrzsi-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/u.s.-battery-chemistries.jpg)
Credit: EIA

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a trends report on the U.S. storage market in May 2018. The report found that lithium-ion batteries represented more than 80% of the installed power and energy capacity of large-scale energy storage applications. Nickel- and sodium-based batteries represented around 10% while lead-acid and other chemistries rounded out large-scale battery representation.

Within small-scale battery installations (where commercial and industrial installs make up 90% of capacity), EIA was unable to pinpoint specific chemistry data, but it can be assumed that lithium-based batteries still reign supreme. Lead-acid batteries have been popular within off-grid installations for decades, but lithium-ion’s longer cycle life, lighter weight and decreased maintenance have made it the preferred choice for large-scale, EV and residential applications.

But lithium-ion is not the only—or best—choice out there for batteries used in solar+storage installations. 👀 Here’s a brief rundown of the common storage technologies used in the industry, and which chemistries some popular brand names use.

Full  article: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060914180936.jpeg&hash=5e39d70fafe4e7190a6eebce34b740c58721de3f)

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/11/common-battery-types-used-in-solarstorage/
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on December 22, 2018, 03:40:27 pm
Quote
Honda says that it can produce a cell that conducts Electricity ⚡ at room temperature by using a stable liquid fluoride electrolyte made of tetraalkylammonium fluoride salts dissolved in an organic, fluorinated ether solvent.

(https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/415KeyOSocMyqqd-24F42T-TXz1xusNfyhBQ75vM38xzpYCGw0aSRq727vfm3uf0xx5LC5N7QVFEtSX9vBoGW3rphDGhfF2MMajkC1SMh3BfrwJZ2Pu-_WhGnjLB7FmTEDIqeiXNnuOA8gwpE28YjCK5CJ5eWza8-iBkJ0Zc=s0-d-e1-ft#https://images.hgmsites.net/med/honda-clarity-tk-at-honda-rd-center-tochigi-japan-june-2017_100609277_m.jpg)
Honda Clarity Electric at Honda R&D Center, Tochigi, Japan, June 2017

Honda presents new battery chemistry that could succeed lithium-ion

 Eric C. Evarts

52 Comments Dec 21, 2018

Researchers from around the world are looking for the successor to the lithium-ion battery for electric cars, power tools, and electronics—one that will store more energy with less size and weight, charge more quickly, and have improved safety.

All battery chemistries come with tradeoffs. The challenge for researchers is to figure out how to mitigate the negatives while preserving the benefits of different chemistries. 👨‍🔬

Honda is the latest automaker investing in what it sees as the next big breakthrough in battery technology—not more advanced lithium-ion, such as solid-state lithium-ion cells—but entirely different battery chemistry.

DON'T MISS: GM, Honda partner on next-generation electric-car batteries (https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1117115_gm-honda-partner-on-next-generation-electric-car-batteries)

Along with researchers at CalTech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab in California, Honda published a report on new fluoride-ion batteries it is developing, in the journal Science.

Fluoride-ion batteries have long been a viable chemistry except for one thing: To get ions to flow through their solid electrolyte, they had to operate at more than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Running that hot in a car or especially a mobile device could have disastrous implications.

(https://images.hgmsites.net/med/honda-fluoride-ion-battery_100683733_m.jpg)
Honda fluoride-ion battery

Honda says that by using a stable liquid fluoride electrolyte made of tetraalkylammonium fluoride salts dissolved in an organic, fluorinated ether solvent, it can produce a cell that conducts electricity at room temperature to provide power and to recharge. The cathode is a nano-structure made of copper, lanthanum, and fluorine that resists the kind of dendrite growth 👍 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818185038-16442135.gif&hash=52927992b43007fa5c5eb6ffcb453ae29948c356) that can lead to premature failure and even thermal runaway in a lithium-ion cell.

CHECK OUT: Chinese company begins production of solid-state batteries, possibly for cars (https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1120065_chinese-company-begins-production-of-solid-state-batteries-possibly-for-cars)

The researchers say that the cell can operate over a wide range of voltages. 👍

Honda says that the cells don't pose a safety risk from overheating and believes that they can reach energy densities up to 10 times higher than the theoretical limits of lithium-ion batteries. Higher energy densities could allow automakers to build cars with 300 miles of range or more with smaller, lighter, and cheaper battery packs.

READ MORE: Panasonic says solid-state batteries are still 10 years off (https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1119946_panasonic-says-solid-state-batteries-are-still-10-years-off)

Another advantage, the automaker says, is that the batteries rely on easier materials to obtain 👍 (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-130418203111.png&hash=e8f61baab9b9d36eaf1c4087927f321bf883250c) than lithium and cobalt, which would do less environmental damage in mining and refining them.

Japanese automakers, in particular, (with the notable exception of Nissan) have been skeptical of using lithium-ion technology and have focused instead on fuel cells. Several executives and engineers at Japanese automakers have said that they are waiting for the next big breakthrough in batteries beyond lithium-ion before beginning the transition to electric cars.

Rechargeable fluoride-ion batteries could be one such breakthrough. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-221017161839.png&hash=7d34712243960aa20883775dad728bc2115ed6fe)

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1120563_honda-presents-new-battery-chemistry-that-could-succeed-lithium-ion (https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1120563_honda-presents-new-battery-chemistry-that-could-succeed-lithium-ion)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on March 19, 2019, 01:09:58 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)

Energy Storage 2019

March 18th, 2019 by Sponsored Content

By Steve Hanley

Energy storage in the United States is expected to triple in 2019 according to Climate Action. That makes for a great headline, but what does it mean? Let’s begin by defining what energy storage is and why it’s important.

Types Of Energy Storage

Electricity is an enigma. We know what it can do, we know how to make it, we know how to control it, but there is not one person living today who can tell us what it is. Some scientists think it is a wave, some think it is made up of tiny particles, some think it is both.

What we do know is that unless it is stored in some fashion, it must be used as soon as it is created or it will be wasted. The oldest method of storing electricity is called pumped hydro. Here’s how it works.


Pumped Hydro

Excess electricity is used to pump a large quantity of water uphill into a holding pond. Later, the water is allowed to flow downhill to a reservoir below, spinning turbine blades to generate electricity along the way.

The process is about as high tech as a brick but it is simple and effective. It does require a lot of open territory with great deal of elevation change, so it is not suitable for use in many parts of the world.


Other Energy Storage Techniques

There are many other ways to store electricity ranging from the dead simple to the extremely complex. A California company proposes to build a railroad to nowhere. A train of electrically powered boxcars filled with cement would churn their way uphill in the day time using excess electrical energy. At night when the supply of solar power decreases, the train would roll back downhill. At that point, the electric motors that pushed it uphill during the day would reverse their role and generate electricity on the way down.

Other ideas include a tower that stacks concrete filled barrels on an elevated platform during the day. Later, lowering them back to ground level would generate more electricity.

Both systems use sound scientific principles that convert energy into work and then later reverse the process to make more electricity. Despite being possible, neither has shown itself to be price competitive with battery storage.

Concentrated solar power plants do not harvest the light of the sun. Instead, the capture the heat contained in sunlight and use it to warm a storage medium such as salt or silicon. Later, that heat is used to heat water to make steam that drives conventional generators that make electricity.

One experimental system heats silicon until it glows white hot. That light is then used to create electricity using solar panels. Once again, the so-called “sun in a box” concept is physically possible but not yet price competitive with battery storage.


Battery Storage

The most common form of electrical storage today is lithium ion batteries. While they may feature several different battery chemistries, they are essentially the same as the battery cells used in electric vehicles.

The driving factor that makes this type of storage preferred is that the cost of lithium ion battery cells continues to decrease as more and more of them are manufactured.

Another type of energy storage is known as a flow battery. It features two large tanks separated by a membrane. One liquid has a positive charge, the other a negative charge, Flow batteries have one advantage over lithium ion batteries — to add more capacity, simply make the tanks larger.

China is pushing forward with plans to install more flow batteries but in the US, lithium ion batteries are the storage medium of choice largely because they are the least expensive choice.


US Energy Storage Booming  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-141113185047.png&hash=384024358ff8d5e7133d19b6e6638da4584a8154)


A new report from the Energy Storage Association and GTM Research says battery storage in the US grew by 27% in 2018 with 431 megawatt-hours installed.

But here’s where things get interesting. ESA and GTM Research predict 2019 will see triple that amount installed — 1,233 megawatt-hours with a combined value of more than $1 billion.

Things get even better from there. By 2023, they expect the US market for battery storage to soar to $3.8 billion helped by “falling costs and favorable policies” on the state level, according to Ravi Manghani at GTM Research.

Kelly Speakes-Backman, CEO of ESA says “policies and regulatory frameworks that level the playing field will further encourage energy storage deployment throughout 2018 and beyond as the industry builds toward a goal of realizing 35 GW by 2025.”

 
(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2019/02/gtm_1-600x228.png)
Graph from GTM, via Woods Mackenzie

Time Shifting

What makes battery storage so valuable is its ability to save electricity generated now to be used later. That’s a big deal because solar panels work best during the day but begin to lose power as the sun sets — just when people are getting home from work and starting turning on appliances like air conditioning and electronic devices.

If if were not for batteries, much of that solar energy would be wasted. The same goes for wind power. Often wind turbines generate more electricity than needed at some times of day. With batteries, that excess energy can be stored for use later.


Frequency Stabilization

Another important characteristic of battery storage is the ability to react in milliseconds to the tiny variations in the frequency of the electricity flowing through the electrical grid. In most of the US, the electricity supplied by utility companies oscillates 60 times a second.

Motors, computers, and other digital devices can be damaged if the frequency is allowed to vary by as little as 1%. Batteries can absorb excess frequency changes or supplement the grid if the frequency drops too low.


Falling Prices For Energy Storage

The cost of battery storage is accelerating the demand for battery storage. And that is driving a sea change in the utility industry. Unthinkable just a few years ago, building new wind and solar farms coupled with battery storage is now less expensive than constructing new generating facilities powered by natural gas. They are also less expensive that continuing to operate nuclear or coal powered plants.

In the utility industry, investments often take 3 to 4 decades to pay off. The idea of closing down existing facilities in favor of new renewable plus storage options means trillions of dollars in existing investments are at risk. No wonder there is strong resistance to renewables plus storage by some utility companies anxious to protect their existing 🦕🦖 facilities.

But price will win out and the lower the price of renewables plus storage gets, the sooner those existing 🦕🦖 facilities will be retired whether is is convenient for their owners or not.
  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060518153110.png&hash=39d587c31b7f7e66b30d7e59bb560e2ad0662eee) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121649.png&hash=4554f7e59701d12857946aece16bceb973c997b3)

This article is supported by InterSolar. Intersolar North America, North America’s premier exhibition and conference, is the perfect place to explore the megatrends driving the solar industry first. It’s the industry hotspot to discover the latest trends in photovoltaics, PV production technologies and solar heating and cooling. Co-located with ees North America, Intersolar North America sit at the cross-section of solar technology, energy storage, and smart renewable energy.

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/03/18/energy-storage-2019/

Agelbert NOTE: The comments section to the above article is quite lively. ;D  Some advocates of Hydrogen gas storage weighed in. Some fossil fuelers weighed in claiming "natural" (LOL!) fracked gas stored in caverns or whatever is "cheaper" than pumped hydro storage. That's a bold face lie simply because it fails to ADD to the costs of Fracked CH4 the subsidies we-the-people are coerced out of AND the pollution costs we-the-people get stuck with. All those costs are ABSENT with pumped storage.

As to Renewable Energy generated Hydrogen gas storage, though it is not polluting, it is not economically feasable on a large scale (which is how Renewable Energy energy storage MUST be scaled for a 100% plus Renwable Energy powered civilization), for reasons I outlined in a comment I made (see below).

Quote
freedomev  > Matthew Young
No they haven't stored H2 underground. Why?
Please show examples?
And yes so much NG seeps away it's HG effect is as bad as coal.
And H2 is 100x smaller and even seeps through steel.
And why do you think there is no natural H2?
Because it is very reactive and bonds with many things. Thus why there is NG but no natural H2.
The H2 either became methane/HCs, water or rock.
Quote
Ed Golla > freedomev
Hydrogen is not very reactive at all at ambient temperatures. There is natural Hydrogen in the atmosphere. Of course it is only about 1/2 part per million. Hydrogen is not in the atmosphere to any great extent because it speed is so great that it is able to escape from the earth's gravity at the upper limits of the earth's atmosphere.

agelbert > Ed Golla

The reactivity of Hydrogen gas is not the main issue with the effective storage of hydrogen gas as a form of energy for quick use.

The main issue is that Hydrogen gas molecules are smaller than any molecules in the container they are stored in (unless you can lower the temperature so much that the H2 becomes liquid - which uses enormous amounts of energy to do).

At ambient temperatures, the Hydrogen gas will percolate through metal or salt or even the densest of soils. Metal containers (see Nuclear power plant Tritium woes) degrade from Hydrogen gas caused embrittlement within a few years.

Pumped storage is, at present, the cheapest and most reliable method of storing electrical energy.

If the following type of system I learned about (in a January 18, 2018 Spiegel article) was adopted worldwide, the 100% Renewable Energy economy, including transportation, would quickly become a reality:
 
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-180118231521.jpeg&hash=c61a4debbac0b9b95458dac94d2f6954fe47b854)

German company plans large-scale power storage using massive rock block (http://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/renewables/gravity-energy-storage-the-new-stone-age/msg8853/#msg8853)

Hydrogen gas, in liquid form, is the best type of rocket fuel. It has the highest energy density of any rocket fuel, but it can never compete with pumped storage for infrastructure energy demands.

Much progress is being made. Battery banks like the one Tesla is marketing will have their place in the 100% Renewable Energy economy, although I believe pumped storage, with giant rock pistons over a giant cylinder of water underground, as shown above, will be more prevalent. We need fossil fuels like a dog needs ticks, no matter what the denier naysayers say.

Here's a nice video one fellow posted showing Amory Lovins exploding Fossil Fuel Industry and Nuclear Power Industry Propagated Baloney (i.e. Myths - Amory is always polite :D) AND showing how quickly battery costs are going down. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-250718204746.gif&hash=ef3006b22f07724d45868cab1dae91b1dff31327)

https://youtu.be/MsgrahFln0s

Amory Lovins on Energy Efficiency Breakthroughs (real world 90% plus waste reduction) that seem hard to believe:
Quote
"Only puny secrets need protection; big discoveries are protected by public incredulity."
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on April 29, 2019, 09:45:04 pm
The Liquid Metal Battery: Innovation in stationary electricity storage
36,376 views

https://youtu.be/NiRrvxjrJ1U

Energy Futures Lab

Published on Jan 18, 2019

On 29 November 2018 Energy Futures Lab and the Dyson School of Design Engineering hosted Professor Donald Sadoway of MIT to discuss the impact the liquid metal battery could have on the future of gridscale energy storage.

Abstract

Massive-scale electricity storage would offer huge benefits to today’s grid, reducing price volatility, improving stability against loss of power, increasing utilization of generation assets by enabling us to design towards average demand instead of peak demand, and deferring the costs of upgrading existing transmission lines. When it comes to tomorrow’s grid, storage is key to widespread integration of renewables, i.e., solar and wind, which due to their inherent intermittency present challenges for contribution to base load.

Comprising two liquid metal electrodes and a molten salt electrolyte, the liquid metal battery offers colossal current capability and long service lifetime at very low cost, i.e., the price point of the electricity market. The round-trip efficiency of these batteries is greater than 80% under daily 4 h discharge (C/4). Fade rates of 0.00009%/cycle have been measured which means retention of of more tahn 99% of initial capacity after 10 years of daily cycling at full depth of discharge. There is much to be learned from the innovative process that led to the discovery of disruptive battery technology.

Biography

Donald R. Sadoway is the John F. Elliott Professor of Materials Chemistry in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science, M.A.Sc. in Chemical Metallurgy, and Ph.D. in Chemical Metallurgy are all from the University of Toronto. He joined the MIT faculty in 1978. The author of over 170 scientific papers and holder of 28 U.S. patents, his research is directed towards the development of rechargeable batteries as well as environmentally sound technologies for metals extraction.

He is the founder of two companies, Ambri and Boston Metal. Online videos of his chemistry lectures hosted by MIT OpenCourseWare extend his impact on engineering education far beyond the lecture hall. Viewed 1,800,000 times, his TED talk is as much about inventing inventors as it is about inventing technology. In 2012 he was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Category Science & Technology
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on June 13, 2019, 03:35:22 pm
JUNE 12, 2019 / 11:03 AM  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818184310-1635923.gif&hash=5e2530db4748ed6c7163e1d478fdfa3cd1108668)

Sweden's Northvolt raises $1 billion to complete funding for mammoth battery plant (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northvolt-funding-electric/swedens-northvolt-raises-1-billion-to-complete-funding-for-mammoth-battery-plant-idUSKCN1TD1WG)
Title: Tesla Powerwalls Tapped For East Coast Utility’s New Virtual Power Plant
Post by: AGelbert on June 20, 2019, 03:36:23 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)

June 20th, 2019 by Kyle Field

(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2019/06/tesla-powerwall-indoors-energy.jpg)
Image courtesy: Tesla
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818184308-16331586.gif&hash=e3675dfb28e73fffe35623f14c0c327a9cee80fa) Tesla Powerwalls Tapped For East Coast Utility’s New Virtual Power Plant (https://cleantechnica.com/2019/06/20/tesla-powerwalls-tapped-for-east-coast-utilitys-new-virtual-power-plant/)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 21, 2019, 04:55:01 pm
Energy Vault Lands $110M From SoftBank’s Vision Fund for Gravity Storage

The investment is large by the standards of most startups, but it’s in keeping with the capital costs Energy Vault will face in scaling up its technology.

JEFF ST. JOHN AUGUST 15, 2019

(https://assets.greentechmedia.com/assets/content/cache/made/assets/content/cache/remote/https_assets.greentechmedia.com/content/images/articles/Energy_Vault_tower_XL_721_420_80_s_c1.jpg)
Building toward the future.

Energy Vault, the Swiss-U.S. startup that says it can store and discharge electrical energy through a super-sized concrete-and-steel version of a child’s erector set, has landed a $110 million investment from Japan’s SoftBank Vision Fund to take its technology to commercial scale.

Energy Vault, a spinout of Pasadena-based incubator Idealab and co-founded by Idealab CEO and billionaire investor Bill Gross, unstealthed in November with its novel approach to using gravity to store energy.

Simply put, Energy Vault plans to build storage plants — dubbed “Evies” — consisting of a 35-story crane with six arms, surrounded by a tower consisting of thousands of concrete bricks, each weighing about 35 tons.

This plant will “store” energy by using electricity to run the cranes that lift bricks from the ground and stack them atop of the tower, and “discharge” energy by reversing that process. It’s a mechanical twist on the world’s most common energy storage technology, pumped hydro, which “stores” energy by pumping water uphill, and lets it fall to spin turbines when electricity is needed.

CEO and co-founder Robert Piconi said in a November interview with GTM that the standard array would deliver 4 megawatts/35 megawatt-hours of storage, which translates to nearly 9 hours of duration — the equivalent of building the tower to its height, and then reducing it to ground level. It can be built on-site in partnership with crane manufacturers and recycled concrete material, and can run fully automated for decades with little deterioration, he said.

And the cost, which Piconi pegged in the $200 to $250 per kilowatt-hour range, with room to decline further, is roughly 50 percent below the upfront price of the conventional storage market today, and 80 percent below it on levelized cost, he said.

The result, according to Wednesday’s statement, is a technology that could allow “renewables to deliver baseload power for less than the cost of fossil fuels 24 hours a day.”

Wednesday’s announcement builds on a recent investment from Mexico's Cemex Ventures, the corporate venture capital unit of building materials giant Cemex, along with a promise of deployment support from Cemex's strategic network. Piconi said in November that the company had sufficient investment from two funding rounds to carry it through initial customer deployments, though he declined to disclose figures.

This is the first energy storage investment for Vision Fund, the $100 billion venture fund set up by SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. While large by startup standards, it’s in keeping with the capital costs that Energy Vault will face in scaling up its technology to meet its commitments. Those include a 35 megawatt-hour order with Tata Power Company, the energy-producing arm of the Indian industrial conglomerate, first unveiled in November, as well as plans to demonstrate its first storage tower in northern Italy in 2019.

For Vision Fund, it’s also an unusual choice for a storage investment, given that the vast majority of venture capital in the industry today is being directed toward lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are limited in terms of how many hours they can provide cost-effectively, with about 4 hours being seen as the limit today.

The search for long-duration energy storage has driven investment into flow batteries, compressed-air energy storage and variations on gravity-based storage, including a previous startup backed by Gross and Idealab, Energy Cache, whose idea of using a ski lift carrying buckets of gravel up a hill to store energy petered out with a 50-kilowatt pilot project.

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/energy-vault-lands-110m-from-softbanks-vision-fund-for-gravity-energy-stora#gs.xcxm7n
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 21, 2019, 05:24:39 pm
By JEFF ST. JOHN AUGUST 21, 2019


Incentive carve-out for high fire-risk areas could boost uptake among customers most likely to want solar-storage systems.


   
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060914180936.jpeg&hash=5e39d70fafe4e7190a6eebce34b740c58721de3f)


California Proposes $100M in Energy Storage Incentives to Boost Wildfire Resiliency
(https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/california-proposes-100m-in-energy-storage-incentives#gs.xd6qzo)
Title: startup planning to build one of Europe’s first ⚡ battery gigafactories in Norway,
Post by: AGelbert on August 21, 2019, 05:34:33 pm
(https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/2_IN1MJGf4OkBesWZi77BP6Ylt6SRUMuCuRFL1jFtxyy4DlB1c6NRaAujgNNfEHFM2QayBJ0hPzksQrR3nr7kATqsmYlrsMXjsmJnS1l62I=s0-d-e1-ft#http://media.pennnet.com/designimages/REW-0262_Energy_375.jpg)

(https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_HH1maeEIM8SE36-h-kL0o1y8Wqz85QWeOCpbcpNgL4LZhqrxqSHl0Mqa8q9--4kKn-byvrXKYfWo6Mn1xt1=s0-d-e1-ft#http://media.pennnet.com/images/REW_Fyre.png)

August 21, 2019

Norwegian battery startup with $4.5B plan envisions Nordic ⚡ hub

Freyr AS, a startup planning to build one of Europe’s first ⚡ battery gigafactories in Norway, has a bigger vision for the region: a “Nordic Battery Belt ✨.” 👍

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-130418200416.png&hash=15d789b29124aa5a1f1ea397ce630913734b20a4)
> Read More (http://ea.ecn5.com/Clicks/OHhyRVA0dWI1bHg4bm5xaVNVMEZMaU13TGpwRUhvWVFyS3NwbGw3eFVVUXNGQ1VJZzcxeUhwWlR3TVVyWTU1d3V0ZmFTcnE0eEs4TjYwS254NUtUd1E9PQ%3d%3d)
Title: Take a tour inside Tesla’s first Gigafactory
Post by: AGelbert on August 26, 2019, 05:41:28 pm
Take a tour inside Tesla’s  first Gigafactory| CNBC Reports
858,579 views

https://youtu.be/vv1mFAMz0PE

CNBC International
Published on May 2, 2019
Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada is expected to be the largest building in the world by footprint once completed. CNBC’s Uptin Saiidi gets a rare look inside what Tesla founder Elon Musk calls, ‘the machine that builds the machine.’
Title: The Future of Tesla Batteries ✨: Here's What you can Expect
Post by: AGelbert on October 09, 2019, 06:06:09 pm
The Future of Tesla Batteries ✨: Here's What you can Expect (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818185039-16561921.gif&hash=3f68a1883648321c76c6d3b5cd6885815cd673e8)
23,347 views•Oct 8, 2019

https://youtu.be/hjCnuyqEacQ

Two Bit da Vinci
83.7K subscribers

Tesla has quietly made some big acquisitions and has made it clear that they want to manufacture their own batteries in the very near future. Today we're going to look at the future of Tesla Batteries, and what you can expect!

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https://electrek.co/2019/10/05/tesla-...

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Category Education
Title: Revolutionary New Lithium Ion Battery Technology - Zero to 200 miles in 5 minutes?
Post by: AGelbert on November 06, 2019, 06:30:49 pm
Revolutionary New Lithium Ion Battery Technology - Zero to 200 miles in 5 minutes?
55,321 views•Nov 3, 2019

https://youtu.be/u57pBJG2C7E

Just Have a Think
34.6K subscribers

A team at Penn State University this week published a paper detailing a revolutionary new battery management system that allows 200 miles of range to be added to a lithium ion EV Battery in just over 8 minutes, with a predicted production version charge time of 5 minutes. And their methodology is surprisingly counter-intuitive. This week we take a look at their discovery.

Full Report -

https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S...
Title: world’s largest battery storage system so effective that operator plans to make it even BIGGER
Post by: AGelbert on November 20, 2019, 08:11:15 pm
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/d1f5797e59060083034310930/images/4df6945f-3bf9-4243-8b7e-9500c135df39.png)
November 20, 2019:

The world’s largest battery storage system has already saved customers more than $34 million in its first year of operation and will be expanded by another 50 percent. A growing number of U.S. transit agencies are replacing diesel buses with electric versions, citing the myriad climate, health and cost saving benefits. Ford unveiled its first all-electric SUV, dubbed the “Mustang Mach-E” and capable of traveling more than 300 miles on a single charge. New research highlights the benefits of wind and solar for increased groundwater sustainability. 

The world’s largest battery storage system has proven so effective that the operator plans to make it even bigger

The Hornsdale site, which uses Tesla technology and is located in South Australia, will be expanded by 50 percent to 150 megawatts. In its first year of operation the system has already saved consumers more than $34 million, while stabilizing the grid and avoiding outages. A slew of similar big battery projects are in development in Australia as the country adds more wind and solar capacity. (Bloomberg $)

Read more: (https://mailchi.mp/climatenexus/worlds-largest-battery-gets-bigger-ford-unveils-all-electric-suv-and-more)

Title: New Opel Gigafactory in Germany to be largest battery cell producer in Europe
Post by: AGelbert on February 07, 2020, 08:10:11 pm
(https://www.cleanenergywire.org/sites/all/themes/cleanenergywire/logo.png)

07 Feb 2020, 12:55 Julian Wettengel

New Opel Gigafactory in Germany to be largest battery cell producer in Europe

German carmaker Opel, a subsidiary of French PSA, plans to manufacture enough battery cells for half a million e-cars annually in a new factory in western German Kaiserslautern from 2024. Opel revealed details of the planned factory at a press event and said up to 2,000 jobs would be created and two billion euros invested in the facility, which would house three units with a capacity of eight gigawatt hours each and be the largest in Europe so far. Economy minister Peter Altmaier, who attended the event to “highlight the strategic importance” of the plant, said: “There is the prospect that in a few years the production of battery cells, wh ich we in Germany and Europe had thought lost for a long time, will return to this location.” The federal government plans to support the project with “a considerable three-digit-million-euro amount”, he said.

One week ago, France’s head of state Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s research minister Anja Karliczek had already given the official go-ahead for a battery cell pilot production in a factory of the manufacturer Saft in Nersac, southwest France. Another factory is planned in the French region Hauts-de-France. Germany and France have been keen to develop batteries in Europe in order to avoid becoming dependent on Chinese storage systems. The Commission had approved the project under state aid regulations in December 2019. The European Union allows state aid in certain conditions under its rules for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).

https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/new-opel-gigafactory-germany-be-largest-battery-cell-producer-europe
Title: New Carbon Dioxide Battery Solutions
Post by: AGelbert on February 11, 2020, 08:27:39 pm
New Carbon Dioxide Battery Solutions   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-210818163125-16722324.gif&hash=fd301340fefe90d81ed8826dfa0568be12a1c0d8)
66,950 views•Nov 10, 2019

https://youtu.be/7t98dQ9BhEk

Just Have a Think
49.2K subscribers

Carbon Dioxide battery technology represents a huge opportunity not only to vastly improve energy storage and output capacity, but also to capture CO2 straight out of our atmosphere and lock it away. Research is going on all around the world but in the last few weeks a research team from UIC in Illinois has published a paper proving that a Lithium Carbon Dioxide battery can now be recharged successfully and hold far more energy than a traditional battery, and another team working at MIT in Massachusetts has shown us a revolutionary system that significantly improves the efficiency of capturing pure CO2 from ambient air streams. This week we take a look at both of them.

Help support and influence the growth of the Just Have a Think initiative here:
www.patreon.com/justhaveathink
Title: With few exceptions, western countries are committing to exclusively use electric or hybrid electric
Post by: AGelbert on April 01, 2020, 07:38:23 pm
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-170218174357.png&hash=296cf589ab13b3bca649d79db1953fa2289b1563)

March 30, 2020 by Sponsored

Determining Value in Energy Storage

Comparing total cost of ownership against bare cost of batteries

Written by Brent Perry, CEO, Sterling PBES

SNIPPETS:

Introduction

In the 10 years since I started the first company dedicated to producing specialist lithium ion batteries for the marine industry, there has been a huge uptake from the market. In the very early days, I would tell people that their vessels would be able to run on battery power and they would look at me with disbelief; at that point in time, land based electric propulsion was rare and – in many cases – people’s experiences of it painted a picture of inconsistency and unreliability.

(https://3kbo302xo3lg2i1rj8450xje-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/eKOTUG-fleet-800x533.jpg)
KOTUG Hybrid fleet – the world’s first hybrid workboats. Source: KOTUG.com

Fast forward and the electric ⚡ cars are here to stay. With few exceptions, western countries are committing to exclusively use electric or hybrid electric vehicles in the medium term. Lithium battery power taken hold in other industries in a similar way, especially commercial shipping. Commercial mariners the world over have fully embraced the use of the technology. They are cheaper and cleaner to run and, most importantly, they outperform conventional vessels with very short-term payback. 

Today, most vessels being built either use energy storage in some way or have the provision for it. They are being built to future proof their investment.

The Apples to Apples comparison

At the beginning of the age of megawatt scale lithium energy systems, it was determined that cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) was a good way to measure the value that lithium could be evaluated. In the years since, there have been many articles, white papers, and countless conference speeches about the goal of reducing the cost of lithium batteries to below $100 USD/kWh. This may be an arbitrary number largely driven by the stationary grid and automotive suppliers, but suppliers were trying to use this measure to identify when lithium would be cheap enough for these industries to be successful. 

The problem with using an arbitrary metric like cost/kWh is that it assumes that all lithium batteries are equal. In the commercial marine space, that assumption is simply not true. The concept of cost/kWh is further complicated by the engineering requirements of marine systems, driven by the flag authorities and classification societies.  Things like safety, reliability and risk a far greater real-world influence on the cost of building batteries for the marine industry and all of the associated systems involved. But, how do we create an “apples for apples” comparison that supports rational commercial decision making?

The Challenge:

Power systems on large vessels are highly complex and it is not easy.  At Sterling PBES, we have taken the decision to measure the cost of an installation and its payback by including all of the elements necessary to offer a complete installed system. Batteries (priced per kWh) are a part of this – but certainly not all of it.  For customers to make a sound decision and understand the overall financial impact, everything needs to be considered.


How do available batteries differ?

There are several versions of battery chemistry available to the battery manufacturers; the dominant chemistries are NMC, Titanate, and LPO or Iron phosphate.  Each of these chemistries have different energy densities (energy density is the amount of energy stored for the volume of the cell. Systems with lower energy density tend to be heavier as well as larger while higher energy density systems are usually lighter). Different battery systems have different lifecycle characteristics, age in different ways, and charge/discharge characteristics.  The marine industry has gravitated towards NMC as a dominant chemistry but even in one chemistry type there are variations in performance existing from one cell manufacturer to the other, principally focussed on whether the cell is a power cell (instant power) or an energy cell (a larger gas tank).  Even the form factor of the cells has a lot to do with the managed risk and performance of a battery. ... ...

(https://3kbo302xo3lg2i1rj8450xje-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SPBES_render-800x450.jpg)
Sterling PBES battery render featuring CellCool liquid cooling technology. Source: Form3 Designs – Form3.com

30-year batteries

Most commercial vessels built today have a lifespan of around 30 years, but the propulsion equipment onboard will require maintenance or rebuild several times. In fact, a vessel may require several rebuilds of machinery over its lifespan, yet most current battery technology only allows for full replacement.

On this hypothetical 30-year vessel, there will be anywhere from 3-6 battery replacements and subsequent electronic waste entering the recycling stream. Anything that can be done to reduce the environmental impact of the battery should be done.

This happens against the backdrop of increased regulation on the disposal of lithium ion batteries, especially in the EU, which will undoubtedly impact costs for the supplier and subsequently the end user. Sterling PBES’ proprietary CellSwap technology allows the battery to be rebuilt with new cells as required, usually on a 5-year cycle. This allows for a far more accurate prediction of lifespan and required system size as the battery doesn’t need to be oversized to compensate for variables like changes in route, duty, heat or even ownership and maintenance intervals. In fact, a battery that is designed for a 5-year lifespan with CellSwap may be only 30-50% the size of a battery designed for a 10-year life. If that hypothetical 10-year battery is air-cooled, then the size of an alternative liquid cooled system with CellSwap is even smaller. This, in turn, increases value again for the customer.

Full article: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-130418200416.png&hash=15d789b29124aa5a1f1ea397ce630913734b20a4)

https://gcaptain.com/determining-value-in-energy-storage/
Title: Once upon a time the humble battery had one of the best mascots in TV commercial history.
Post by: AGelbert on May 05, 2020, 01:17:11 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)


May 5th, 2020 by Zachary Shahan

I think it’s safe to say that the one thing from Tesla people have been waiting for more than any other these past several months is Tesla Battery Day. This is where Tesla will presumably tell us some of its battery secrets, grandiose battery plans, and mind-blowing battery milestones. There are many questions leading into this, and there will probably be more questions on the way out.

Some people say Tesla is a battery company that creates cars, not a car company that produces batteries. I’m not a big fan of calling Tesla a company focused on any one topic. It’s a leading carmaker, battery designer and producer, solar technology company, software developer, and more. Though, it’s safe to say the battery plays a rather special role. It is the heart of an electric car. It is also a key, reality-shifting link in the utility network that enables much more renewable energy. And once upon a time the humble battery had one of the best mascots in TV commercial history.

https://youtu.be/rza7rxmfOrw

Getting to the news, it seems Tesla has some new toys coming its way for its battery production games. “Hanwha Group said Sunday that its subsidiary Hanwha Corp. recently signing a supply deal on battery formation equipment with U.S. electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla,” according to The Korea Times.

“We had a supply deal of battery formation equipment with Tesla,” the official said.

If that reminds you of Alex Voigt’s casting article and makes you think about the physical form of a battery, think again. “Battery formation is the process of initial charging and discharging of battery cells. This process is conducted in the final phase of the battery manufacturing procedure to format and test it before installation. The process demands a high voltage and precise output current to ensure the battery cells will last for the indicated lifetime.” I feel like I should have learned that by now, but I have to admit that a summary of that process has never crossed my desk here at CleanTechnica world headquarters. Though, it is clearly a logical step in the process that you would expect battery producers to follow if you ever thought about that level of detail in the battery production process.
(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2020/05/Tesla-battery-pack-production-factory-Shanghai-China.png)

So, where is this tech headed? Seemingly, everywhere. It will reportedly be shipped to Fremont, California (even though Tesla doesn’t produce batteries there), then also Nevada, Germany, and China, the locations of Tesla’s partially built and planned EV-related gigafactories. Perhaps Texas is next on the list.

While the reporting indicates that Tesla is only getting this battery formation equipment, Hanwha Corp. also produces equipment for other stages of the battery production process, in particular the battery assembly stages — “such as notching, stacking, tab welding and pouch forming machines.” No insight is offered on whether Tesla might buy Hanwha equipment for those process as well. If we ever find out, we’ll be sure to share.

Is this information critical to our personal revelations about the meaning of life, the universe, and everything? not particularly, but for us cleantechies, learning about these little details in battery production and the battery market is fun. Throw in Tesla for some extra spice. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121424.gif&hash=384c17a4d2be4831084933b91808f8a60f73f7f5)

https://cleantechnica.com/2020/05/05/tesla-to-get-battery-production-equipment-from-hanwha-the-korea-times-reports/

Agelbert COMMENT: I think Cheney, Rumsfeld and the rest of the PNAC "💥 New Pearl Harbor" Fascists 'R' US got their 💥 9/11 (no inside job here 😇, oh no, not even a little bit 😈) ideas from watching those Energizer Bunny Commercials...
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on May 08, 2020, 02:53:03 pm
CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica’s work via donations on Patreon or PayPal!

Or just go buy a cool t-shirt, cup, baby outfit, bag, or hoodie. (https://cleantechnica.com/shop/#!/)

May 8th, 2020 by Tina Casey

(https://cleantechnica.com/files/2020/05/energy-storage-clean-power.png)

Rural Electric Co-op Blows Up Energy Storage Race With “Secret” Battery (https://cleantechnica.com/2020/05/08/rural-electric-co-op-blows-up-energy-storage-race-with-secret-battery/) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818184310-1635923.gif&hash=5e2530db4748ed6c7163e1d478fdfa3cd1108668)
Title: Is it FINALLY happening?
Post by: AGelbert on July 21, 2021, 02:19:27 pm
Jul 18, 2021 272,309 views (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818180835-1626482.gif&hash=068d5ba96cc9a0d9b824d58bf6e532eeee05b706)
Solid State ⚡ Batteries - Autumn 2021 mass production in Japan. Is it FINALLY happening?  (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818185039-16521065.gif&hash=9eef5dcea9de04ac83b42acf07d77409f0493a81)

https://youtu.be/fdSqibMhBwg

Just Have a Think
282K subscribers

Solid state batteries are the long-promised Holy Grail of battery technology. They're smaller and better than existing Lithium Ion batteries. They charge more quickly and last much longer. What's not to like? Trouble is, no-one's managed to mass produce one at any useful scale yet. Turns out it's quite tricky to make them reliable! Now though, two major Japanese companies are finally firing up their full production lines. So will 2021 be the year?

Video Transcripts available at our website
http://www.justhaveathink.com

Help support this channels independence at
http://www.patreon.com/justhaveathink
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: AGelbert on August 11, 2021, 01:20:50 pm
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By John Engel - 8.5.2021

(https://images.renewableenergyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Screen-Shot-2021-08-05-at-10.26.47-AM.png)


Europe’s largest energy storage project successfully connects to the ⚡ grid
(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-210818163125-16762116.gif&hash=dcf93619f3c0ebb651977b3dae2d1398f7705823)

The Minety plant is designed for maximizing renewable energy assets 🌞 and providing grid stability using Sungrow’s 1500V energy storage system solutions.

Read more (https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/storage/europes-largest-energy-storage-project-successfully-connects-to-the-grid/) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818184310-1635923.gif&hash=5e2530db4748ed6c7163e1d478fdfa3cd1108668)

Title: Lithium Sulphur (or Sulfur) batteries have been on the 'hopeful technology' 🤔 list for over a decade now.
Post by: AGelbert on October 16, 2021, 09:32:13 pm
287,460 views Oct 10, 2021

Lithium Sulfur batteries: SOLVED! Two new tech breakthroughs in the same week! (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/2/3-160921144626.png)

https://youtu.be/mqH5yB9RB_Y

Just Have a Think 344K subscribers

Lithium Sulphur (or Sulfur) ⚡ batteries have been on the 'hopeful technology' list for over a decade now. Potentially they have 5 times the energy density of existing lithium-ion batteries. The trouble is, previous prototypes had terribly short cycle lives, so they were pretty much useless. Now, after ten years of waiting, suddenly two different solutions have been announced within a week of each other, both claiming to solve the problem. So, which one will come out on top?

Video Transcripts available at our website
http://www.justhaveathink.com

Help support this channels independence at
http://www.patreon.com/justhaveathink
Title: Florida now boasts the largest solar-powered battery in the world
Post by: AGelbert on December 15, 2021, 04:58:43 pm
Sarasotamagazine.com

December 13, 2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

(https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3/3-151221170134.png)

Florida Power & Light Unveils Massive Solar-Powered Battery in Parrish

The largest solar-powered battery in the world is now up and running, and it’s located in Parrish. Florida Power & Light’s Manatee Energy Storage Center, as it is known, was unveiled by the utility giant at a ceremony held Monday evening, with a light and drone show powered by energy from the battery.

The Storage Center takes up 40 acres, about the same as 30 football fields, and has a capacity of 409 megawatts, about equal to 300 million AA batteries, which allows it to power 329,000 homes for more than two hours. The facility stores power generated by a nearby Florida Power & Light solar array and then feeds that into the electrical grid when it’s needed. The new technology allows solar power to be used at night or on rainy or cloudy days.

The project is part of Florida Power & Light’s “30-by-30” goal, which is to install 30 million solar panels in Florida by 2030. The company has already installed more than 13 million panels. Overall, Florida Power & Light aims to generate 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources like solar by the end of the decade.olar-powered battery in the world is now located in Manatee County.
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2021/12/florida-power-light-solar-battery
Title: Grid Operates More Efficiently With High Levels of Energy Storage Across All Studied System Configurations and Grid Mixe
Post by: AGelbert on January 13, 2022, 05:17:34 pm
January 12, 2022

Happy Hours: Energy Storage Could Support The Grid Every Hour Of The Day, All Year Long (https://cleantechnica.com/2022/01/12/happy-hours-energy-storage-could-support-the-grid-every-hour-of-the-day-all-year-long/) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121424.gif&hash=384c17a4d2be4831084933b91808f8a60f73f7f5) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-250817121649.png&hash=4554f7e59701d12857946aece16bceb973c997b3)
Title: Designed to meet homeowners’ future needs today, Franklin Whole Home goes well beyond the demand for safe, reliable back
Post by: AGelbert on January 19, 2022, 04:50:06 pm
(https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_aghQ552wI6SkU8pXPs0qOu5N7xD7RaAWvT4LnNdTbuky029FhA5fJywXSYiZti6Y2h21xYiJkcjv7KvrQOStEkVFoZfXVMa7jHaVGYgHK49gRBn5iKsyMEr64XaMMzjzD3obQWIjlW3RWvv2pGh=s0-d-e1-ft#https://images.designworldonline.com/newsletters/images/a0476c17d61ea6f0ef2b16f63eea3f40.png)

January 19, 2022

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Designed to meet homeowners’ future needs today, Franklin Whole Home goes well beyond the demand for safe, reliable back-up.

Our Franklin Home Power system merges the highest AC battery capacity with the industry’s most intelligent controls to power and control all of your critical loads. The aPower lithium iron phosphate battery and aGate smart control system work in concert to provide uniquely intelligent and powerful energy storage.

FranklinWH powers your potential with whole-home storage to energize your fullest life.   (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F3-060518153110.png&hash=39d587c31b7f7e66b30d7e59bb560e2ad0662eee)

Discover
(https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/hMbj9fknAPLP2EbSv9m3GOjn3u5SNxJi9i4PWvAK_QmLUivySEZFIwAzSvFyM2mc3XPqnJAPIqpCs7Kf9ABRDUO6bY8vYLEsN0nguCaCP9CP-4e8pVVB9tlEs18xy5OTFyvan76AeYcVz0WGmG74eZ3ztIvK_TTwbTWROn2Uew9oCV8ZOq2YpkDMVjfm7fdot8OUQb8UryGRE-p2dYNZ=s0-d-e1-ft#https://s3.amazonaws.com/NewsletterFiles/CustomerMaterials/443630000072782001/443630000072782001-62236-1d13126b90c2592e251e642377b7e2d1.png) (https://www.franklinwh.com/landing) (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frenewablerevolution.createaforum.com%2Fgallery%2Frenewablerevolution%2F1%2F3-120818184310-1635923.gif&hash=5e2530db4748ed6c7163e1d478fdfa3cd1108668)

Title: What Starts a Lithium Battery 🔥 Fire?
Post by: AGelbert on March 15, 2022, 01:22:21 pm
(https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ug8fg8hJrf2TN-JEEZ9MZb4HKeM6ubpGE8438eBB7dc2GuFQuOmpBpYJTg_-5n3vTIRGuttJ-8HDVD92WdMlO3o1DE2m5RG_qSafHXmg3ZOgldsBb5DOJbsskF_7N0UD46rD6ZT3xt6aTWuB1Xhx_BFdg57_zsPc=s0-d-e1-ft#https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/8/9/2/5/5/2/files/imagecache/785724/w660_1277980_newsletterv101921.jpg)

March 15, 2022

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📢 Coast Guard Issues Lithium Battery Alert

SNIPPETS:

Following what they called a "potentially catastrophic" fire involving mis-declared, noncompliant lithium batteries during transportation, the US Coast Guard issued a marine safety alert for battery shippers. ... ...

What Starts a Lithium Battery 🔥 Fire?

An unscientific review of hazmat incident reports involving lithium batteries provides us with a list of circumstances that frequently precede a fire. 

Typical triggers for lithium battery fires include:

🚩 Rough 🦍 handling – jostling and drops;

🚩 Short ⚡ circuits – from damage, improper storage, or metal dust from manufacturing standards;

🚩 Overheating – extreme temperatures in cargo holds, on tarmacs, or at loading dock;

🚩 Humid and wet conditions – rainwater (especially combined with salty air) can cause short ⚡ circuits and lead to thermal runaway even if the battery has not been damaged; and

🚩 Physical damage – from shredding and dismantling during recycling operations.

Shippers can only control so much. But by understanding and correctly applying the requirements for safely shipping lithium batteries, shippers do their part to ensure products reach their destination without incident.

Read more: (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3-130418200416.png)
https://www.lion.com/Lion-News/March-2022/Coast-Guard-Issues-Warning-After-Li-Battery-Fire

Agelbert NOTE: IOW, as long as lithium batteries are used and handled as they are designed to be used and handled, there is NO "spontaneous fire hazard" issue with lithium batteries, as certain 🦖 Hydrocarbon 😈 Hellspawn paid 🐍 propagandist fear mongers (https://media.tenor.com/images/8714e6aa996c682f95c9cfd09d64fdf7/tenor.gif) claim. (https://renewablerevolution.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/2/3-190419235756.png)