What is it about?
Electricity generators based on renewables, such as solar and wind energy, require high energy storage capacities because the energy input is not consistent across days and seasons. Recently, scientists have been looking at nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) batteries as a better alternative than conventional ones for reliable and efficient long-term storage - potentially up to 40 years. In this study, researchers tested the ability of Ni-Fe batteries to serve as ‘battolysers’ - or batteries (devices that convert stored chemical energy into electricity) that can also double up as electrolysers (devices that use electricity to drive a chemical reaction) - under a broad range of temperature and charge-discharge rates possible in practical scenarios of large scale use. The study, through experiments, outlines the optimal setup and operational conditions for using the Ni-Fe cell as a battery for short-term energy cycling and using it as an electrolyser for long-term energy storage. It also explores its limitations, to enable further study on the subject.
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Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Conversion to a renewables-based economy is unavoidable. But at present, numerous challenges remain to be solved. One among those is energy storage systems to enable stable electricity generation from solar and wind energy. While there have been preliminary studies on the potential to use Ni-Fe battolysers to run mini grids not connected to national grids - through their ability to generate hydrogen through electrolysis, which can then power cooking, water-heating, lighting, cell-phone charging, etc. Further research is needed to scale it up to use in national grids. KEY TAKEAWAY: Ni-Fe battolysers are a cost-effective option for producing hydrogen fuel as an alternative to liquid petroleum gas, while also having the potential to perform long-term energy storage on national grids.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Characterisation of a Nickel-iron Battolyser, an Integrated Battery and Electrolyser, Frontiers in Energy Research, November 2020, Frontiers,
DOI: 10.3389/fenrg.2020.509052.
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