Everyone in the energy storage business is looking for the battery evolution that will make inexpensive, safe electricity storage widely available. Researchers at Harvard think they have found it.
In a study published in the journal Science, the researchers announced they have created a flow battery made with non-toxic, non-corrosive, inflammable materials that are inexpensive and safe for homes and businesses, according to a National Geographic story.
Since solar and wind power fluctuate with the weather, storage of the electricity generated during peak production hours is crucial. But current battery technology has lagged behind; today’s batteries are made with harsh, flammable chemicals. With government support, the Harvard scientists used safer chemicals and nano-materials to produce their test batteries.
In contrast to traditional batteries, flow batteries use external tanks of liquid to store energy. The Harvard project uses a liquid organic material that is “inherently safe,” according to one energy storage expert familiar with the project. The next step in the program will be to test the system’s ability to store energy over time without decomposing. The team expects this testing will take place within a year.
The market for battery storage is expected to grow quickly, while the Harvard batteries are expected to be ready for the market in about a decade.