The contribution of energy storage secures solar energy for winter-for years first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
The storage of energy is one of the greatest challenges within the framework of the energy transition. Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have now developed a long -term energy storage that can store the energy it contains even over decades.
The energy transition cannot work without reliable energy storage. Because they take on numerous tasks in a renewable energy system. For example, you can compensate for surpluses and dulls in wind and solar energy and contribute to the network stability.
Renewable energies can be used better and, for example, do not have to be settled when overproduction. As a result, less energy is lost and during the dark season or wind dulls, additional energy would not necessarily have to be supplied into the circuit from fossil power plants.
Researchers worldwide therefore deal with the question of how energy can be saved inexpensively, stable and in the long term. Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have now developed a thermochemical memorythat promises exactly that. This long -term energy storage could therefore even store energy without loss for decades.
How does the long -term energy storage work?
There are various approaches to store energy, because it can be stored electrically, thermally or thermochemically. Among other things, the respective type of memory also depends on how long the energy can be kept and can be removed.
Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have now developed a thermochemical energy storage in their EU project Restore that can “store almost loss-free and over longer periods”. “We are talking about months, years or even decades,” says a message from the TU.
The long -term energy storage enables the energy to be used to feed the energy in the form of thermal energy or electrical energy. An integrated converter can then be removed from the energy in both forms.
The memory contains a mixture of oil and a salt hydrate. If energy is added, the salt hydrate divides water. This in turn is collected in a separate cycle. If energy is required and should be removed, the water is added again and the process runs in reverse order.
Great importance for the energy transition
The researchers emphasize the importance of their development for the complete switch to renewable energy sources. For example, the efficient storage of solar energy from summer is important for winter, since less solar power can be produced here. At the same time, the energy requirement for heating and light increases in winter, which could be compensated for by long -term energy storage.
The good availability of the materials used is particularly important in the Vienna Technical System. These are also safe and inexpensive.
“We have started with systems with a performance of one kilowatt. In the meantime, we are also testing and developing systems with an output of five and 30 kilowatts,” explains Franz Winter, head of the thermochemical process technology research group. These smaller systems are particularly important for feasibility studies.
Larger systems with 100, 500 kilowatts or a megawatts are also currently simulated at the Vienna University of Technology. “This approach allows us to develop an understanding of how the systems can be efficiently integrated for different sizes and applications,” said Winter.
Also interesting:
- German researchers want to transport hydrogen in salts
- Airbattery: New long -term energy storage for Germany
- What happens to old electric car batteries?
- Study: Climate change could significantly reduce electricity yield from wind power
The contribution of energy storage ensures solar energy for winter – for years it was first released on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that energy storage is crucial for ensuring a reliable source of solar energy throughout the winter months. While solar energy production may decrease during the winter due to shorter days and less sunlight, energy storage solutions such as batteries can store excess energy generated during the summer months for use during the winter.
By investing in energy storage technology, we can overcome the challenges of seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production and ensure a consistent supply of renewable energy throughout the year. This not only helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Innovations in energy storage, such as advances in battery technology and grid integration, will play a key role in unlocking the full potential of solar energy and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. It is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and technology developers to collaborate and invest in energy storage solutions to ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply, even during the winter months.
Credits