Posted on 10/31/2023 6:01:26 AM PDT by Red Badger
Finding a cheap, safe alternative battery to lithium is the key to moving the needle to a completely renewable power sector.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[SNIP]
BEYOND LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
As with electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries have become a popular option for the grid, as they offer a high energy density, modular solution for energy storage. However, the use of lithium-ion batteries has also brought along its own challenges with high cost of materials, risk of fire and explosion, and lack of recycling practices limiting the widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries for the grid.
One incredibly promising option to replace lithium for grid-scale energy storage is the rechargeable zinc-ion battery. Emerging only within the last ten years, zinc-ion batteries offer many advantages over lithium. These include cheaper material costs, increased safety, and easier recycling options.
With grid-scale energy storage potential at a considerably cheaper cost — and higher levels of safety — widespread commercialization of zinc-ion batteries could be what is needed to integrate renewables into energy infrastructure in Canada and other countries.
The cost of a battery
For Canada to reach the decarbonization targets set in the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, including a grid powered by 90 percent renewable electricity, the deployment of zinc-ion batteries will be crucial.
Studies have shown that for renewables to become the source of 90 to 95 percent of all electricity, the cost of energy storage must be below US$150/kWh. Modern lithium-ion systems are still sitting around US$350/kWh. In part, this is due to high manufacturing costs and their reliance on expensive raw materials to achieve the high energy density needed for modern electric vehicles.
Zinc-ion batteries, on the other hand, could solve the cost and abundance issues. Using inexpensive, abundant materials such as zinc and manganese not only makes them cheaper to produce but also lowers the risk of supply chain disruptions or material shortages that affect lithium-ion materials such as lithium and cobalt.
The annual production of zinc globally is over 100 times that of lithium. Not to mention that demand for lithium and cobalt is anticipated to outweigh the supply within the next decade.
ZINC IS A SAFER OPTION
With rigorous safety standards being created for batteries used in homes, factories, or within the electrical grid, safety is key to getting the public to embrace them. In this way, zinc-ion batteries offer further advantages.
The flammable and toxic solvent-based electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries is replaced with a water-based alternative, removing the risk of fire and explosion.
Conversely, the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries can also be a difficult task, as they contain toxic compounds. Recycling these batteries is currently economically infeasible due to high costs leading to large numbers of spent cells ending up in landfills.
Fortunately, zinc-ion batteries simplify end-of-life treatment. The non-toxic, aqueous electrolyte used in zinc-ion batteries means that well-established methods like those for lead-acid battery disposal can be used. Also, the metallic zinc anode could be easily reused in new batteries.
THE FUTURE OF ENERGY STORAGE
To reach its goal of 90 percent renewable energy by 2030, Canada must look for alternatives to lithium-ion batteries to enable decarbonization of its power sector. Leveraging the cost, abundance, and safety benefits of zinc-ion batteries, Canada can accelerate the integration of wind and solar power across the nation.
Zinc-ion batteries support Canada’s decarbonization goals and prove an opportunity to capitalize on a rapidly expanding battery market. While zinc-ion batteries are a relatively new technology, their potential to support grid-scale energy storage within Canada and worldwide cannot be understated.
With the help of Canadian research and manufacturing, including efforts from McMaster University and Dartmouth, N.S.-based Salient Energy Inc., the integration of zinc-ion batteries could become a reality within the next several years, establishing Canada as an industry leader.
This article was originally published on The Conversation by Storm William D Gourley and Drew Higgins at McMaster University.
Huzzah! They’ll be available only a few weeks after we commission the first fusion power plant. Now, about the inadequate generating capacity, aging inadequate power grid, and worst of all, a left wing ruling party with the technical knowledge of Al Gore.
Not surprising since those batteries designed 25 years ago, were never intended for powering society.
Does that mean that there is enough zinc available to satisfy the fantasy? I notice that the excerpt mentions reusing the zinc anode, so just pop it out of the old battery and place it in the new one? Sounds easy-peasy.
Hopium has never been a reliable source of power.. and it never will be.
It's all some sort of fraud. Some of it is well-meaning to be charitable. Much of it isn't. A lot of competent investors and existing manufacturers are scowling around to make sure they have access to the latest technology that could upset their business if someone else gets in first. And those folks are not convinced that there is anything there, or they are already funding the things that show the greatest promise.
Innovation is a lot harder than oh, I have an idea, you have money, let's partner up so I can spend your money for you.
The anodes and cathodes have always been a major headache for batter mfrs................
Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in Earth’s crust and has five stable isotopes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc
The only reason we are in this mess is that the same demographic that gets degrees in social sciences instead of STEM shows up at the polls and votes ...
I presume they don't actually have product on the market that I can buy since I don't see a link to a sales rep anywhere which is the next level of scam in product development.
😜😁😎....................
Or it could not.
the same demographic that gets degrees in womens studies instead of STEM shows up at the polls and votes ...
Zinc/Air batteries are what most, if not all, hearing aids use.
We all know the best battery is OIL
I, too, have LifePo4 batteries. They work well for me but won't for the grid. Why? Because I'M the one who manages them, I'M the one who benefits from them, which makes ME motivated to make sure it's done efficiently and effectively.
That's unlike the grid, which is overregulated by the POLITICAL CLASS. It doesn't matter what the source of power is -- THEY will find a way to muck it up.
The only thing solar and batteries bring to the table is that it gives us the ability to do it in a decentralized fashion -- putting the power into our hands (pardon the pun) and not in the bureaucrats. Any talk about how this or that technology can help with the grid is pointless because the grid problems aren't technology problems.
Oops. I meant the problem is always with political science.
That’s what mine uses!..............
When you start with a lie... did not read any further.
Figure out how a viable distribution network will be paid for and installed first.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.