The battery can be used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications for large data centers, hospitals, and other areas where a continuous supply of power is necessary. A UPS is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power when [...]]]> GE Energy Storage Technologies, a unit of GE Transportation, introduced today its Durathon battery for critical backup power.

The battery can be used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications for large data centers, hospitals, and other areas where a continuous supply of power is necessary. A UPS is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power when utility mains fail; unlike a standby generator a UPS provides instantaneous protection for power interruptions.

“GE’s Durathon battery has been designed to fit into modern UPS applications where continuous power is a must,” said Ganesh Balasubramanian, Product Manager GE Energy Storage Technologies. “This advanced industrial battery technology has the potential to set new standards for service life, compactness and sustainability.”

Because of its proprietary chemistry, the Durathon battery has the ability to provide back-up service for up to two decades. The battery has a high energy density that, along with its ability to replace current technology, minimizes installation costs. GE’s Durathon battery cells are fully recyclable, making the battery a truly sustainable technology.

GE’s new battery plant will be located in Schenectady, New York, and is expected to create 350 new jobs in the region. The facility has the advantage of being in close proximity to GE Global Research in Niskayuna, where researchers will continue to enhance the battery chemistry and related systems technologies. GE is making a $150 million investment to build upon the Durathon battery technology through the development of new materials, new manufacturing technologies and intelligent controls.

The new technology, developed through research led by Yi Cui, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, produces 10 times the amount of electricity of existing lithium-ion, known [...]]]> Stanford researchers have found a way to use silicon nanowires to reinvent the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power laptops, iPods, video cameras, cell phones, and countless other devices.

The new technology, developed through research led by Yi Cui, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, produces 10 times the amount of electricity of existing lithium-ion, known as Li-ion, batteries. A laptop that now runs on battery for two hours could operate for 20 hours, a boon to ocean-hopping business travelers.

“It’s not a small improvement,” Cui said. “It’s a revolutionary development.”

The breakthrough is described in a paper, “High-performance lithium battery anodes using silicon nanowires,” published online Dec. 16 in Nature Nanotechnology, written by Cui, his graduate chemistry student Candace Chan and five others.

The greatly expanded storage capacity could make Li-ion batteries attractive to electric car manufacturers. Cui suggested that they could also be used in homes or offices to store electricity generated by rooftop solar panels.

“Given the mature infrastructure behind silicon, this new technology can be pushed to real life quickly,” Cui said.

The electrical storage capacity of a Li-ion battery is limited by how much lithium can be held in the battery’s anode, which is typically made of carbon. Silicon has a much higher capacity than carbon, but also has a drawback.

Silicon placed in a battery swells as it absorbs positively charged lithium atoms during charging, then shrinks during use (i.e., when playing your iPod) as the lithium is drawn out of the silicon. This expand/shrink cycle typically causes the silicon (often in the form of particles or a thin film) to pulverize, degrading the performance of the battery.

Cui’s battery gets around this problem with nanotechnology. The lithium is stored in a forest of tiny silicon nanowires, each with a diameter one-thousandth the thickness of a sheet of paper. The nanowires inflate four times their normal size as they soak up lithium. But, unlike other silicon shapes, they do not fracture.

Research on silicon in batteries began three decades ago. Chan explained: “The people kind of gave up on it because the capacity wasn’t high enough and the cycle life wasn’t good enough. And it was just because of the shape they were using. It was just too big, and they couldn’t undergo the volume changes.”

Then, along came silicon nanowires. “We just kind of put them together,” Chan said.

For their experiments, Chan grew the nanowires on a stainless steel substrate, providing an excellent electrical connection. “It was a fantastic moment when Candace told me it was working,” Cui said.

Cui said that a patent application has been filed. He is considering formation of a company or an agreement with a battery manufacturer. Manufacturing the nanowire batteries would require “one or two different steps, but the process can certainly be scaled up,” he added. “It’s a well understood process.”

Also contributing to the paper in Nature Nanotechnology were Halin Peng and Robert A. Huggins of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford, Gao Liu of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Kevin McIlwrath and Xiao Feng Zhang of the electron microscope division of Hitachi High Technologies in Pleasanton, Calif.

Source: Stanford University

Unwanted blooms of Cladophora algae throughout the Baltic and in other parts of the world are not entirely without a positive side. A group of researchers at the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University have discovered that the distinctive cellulose nanostructure of these algae can serve as an effective coating substrate for use in environmentally [...]]]>

hawaii.edu

Unwanted blooms of Cladophora algae throughout the Baltic and in other parts of the world are not entirely without a positive side. A group of researchers at the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University have discovered that the distinctive cellulose nanostructure of these algae can serve as an effective coating substrate for use in environmentally friendly batteries. The findings have been published in an article in Nano Letters.

“These algae has a special cellulose structure characterised by a very large surface area,” says Gustav Nyström, a doctoral student in nanotechnology and the first author of the article. “By coating this structure with a thin layer of conducting polymer, we have succeeded in producing a battery that weighs almost nothing and that has set new charge-time and capacity records for polymer-cellulose-based batteries.”

Despite extensive efforts in recent years to develop new cellulose-based coating substrates for battery applications, satisfactory charging performance proved difficult to obtain. However, nobody had tried using algal cellulose. Researcher Albert Mihranyan and Professor Maria Strømme at the Nanotechnology and Functional Materials Department of Engineering Sciences at the Ångström Laboratory had been investigating pharmaceutical applications of the cellulose from Cladophora algae for a number of years. This type of cellulose has a unique nanostructure, entirely different from that of terrestrial plants, that has been shown to function well as a thickening agent for pharmaceutical preparations and as a binder in foodstuffs. The possibility of energy-storage applications was raised in view of its large surface area.

“We have long hoped to find some sort of constructive use for the material from algae blooms and have now been shown this to be possible,” says Maria Strømme, Professor in Nanotechnology and leader of the research group. “The battery research has a genuinely interdisciplinary character and was initiated in collaboration with chemist professor Leif Nyholm. Cellulose pharmaceutics experts, battery chemists and nanotechnologists have all played essential roles in developing the new material.”

The article in Nano Letters, in effect, introduces an entirely new electrode material for energy storage applications, consisting of a nanostructure of algal cellulose coated with a 50 nm layer of polypyrrole. Batteries based on this material can store up to 600 mA per cm3, with only 6 per cent loss through 100 charging cycles.

“This creates new possibilities for large-scale production of environmentally friendly, cost-effective, lightweight energy storage systems,” says Maria Strømme.

“Our success in obtaining a much higher charge capacity than was previously possible with batteries based on advanced polymers is primarily due to the extreme thinness of the polymer layer,” says Gustav Nyström.

Source: Uppsala University

The NAS battery will be the first in Texas and the largest [...]]]> Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT) has completed a contract with NGK-Locke, Inc. for a state-of-the-art, sodium-sulfur 4-megawatt NAS® battery system, which will be installed in Presidio, Texas. ETT is a joint venture between American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (MidAmerican).

The NAS battery will be the first in Texas and the largest in the United States and represents part of a $67 million overall commitment by ETT to improve transmission reliability in Presidio and surrounding areas.

The battery, along with construction of the Gonzales substation, is currently scheduled to be completed by first quarter 2010 in time for summer peak usage. Cost of the battery and substation is estimated at approximately $23 million. A 60-mile, 69- kilovolt transmission line from Marfa to Presidio is targeted for completion by 2012 with an estimated cost of approximately $44 million.

“Very soon, one of the oldest cities in the United States will be benefiting from one of the world’s newest technology developments,” said Calvin Crowder, ETT president. “This battery installation will enhance electrical service for our customers in this region, and completion of this contract will allow the Presidio area to realize its benefits by next summer. “

The NAS® battery system uses sodium-sulfur battery technology. This technology proposed by ETT for Presidio will provide the following benefits:

Due to its quick response, the battery will address voltage fluctuations and momentary outages.

In the event of an outage on the radial transmission line providing power to Presidio, the battery can supply four megawatts of uninterrupted power for up to eight hours.

The battery will allow Presidio’s electrical load to receive uninterrupted power from Comisiün Federal de Electricidad (CFE) during emergency situations.

The battery will allow for maintenance on the new transmission line being built to from Marfa to Presidio without loss of electric service.

AEP pioneered the use of the NAS battery in the United States. Following testing at its Dolan Technology Center near Columbus, Ohio, AEP became the first U.S. company to deploy NAS batteries in 2002 when it installed and operated a demonstration unit in Gahanna, Ohio. In 2006, AEP installed a 1.2-megawatt stationary NAS battery near Charleston, W.Va. In 2008, AEP installed three, 2-megawatt NAS batteries: one in Churubusco, Ind.; one in Balls Gap, W.Va.; and one in Bluffton, Ohio.

ETT acquires, constructs, owns and operates transmission facilities within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), primarily in and around the AEP Texas Central Company (TCC) and AEP Texas North Company (TNC) service territories.

AEP, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP has extensive experience building extra-high-voltage 765-kV transmission lines and owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes 2,100 miles of 765-kV transmission lines, more than all other U.S. transmission systems combined.

MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a global provider of energy services to more than 6.9 million customers worldwide. MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company subsidiaries, PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy Company, own and operate more than 18,000 miles of electric transmission lines.

The M-25 is [...]]]> DuPont and SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG today announced that they have received a follow-up order from the U.S. Army for the development of the M-25 fuel cell – a small, lightweight, portable power supply that can extend soldier mission times to 72 hours or more. The project cost is approximately $3 million.

The M-25 is part of an integrated body-worn power source that can be carried by the soldier that combines DuPont’s direct methanol technology with SFC’s commercially proven fuel cell systems, products and integration expertise. Enabling a significant weight reduction when compared to conventional battery systems for multi-day missions, the M-25’s standard design, when worn by soldiers in the field for extended missions, is up to 80 percent lighter than conventional power sources, yet capable of powering a wide range of soldier equipment.

 In addition to its light weight for powering digital communication and navigation equipment, the M-25 delivers quiet and continuous energy, and offers independent standalone functions such as remote area battery charging and power.

The agreement is the latest step in the M-25 program, which was awarded $1 million by the U.S. Department of Defense Wearable Power Prize in October 2008.

John D. Colven, global business manager – DuPont Fuel Cells had this to say;

This technology is a decisive advantage and DuPont is proud to partner again with SFC to address the need for lightweight, long endurance power system for soldiers.  The integration of our membrane electrode assembly technology within SFC direct methanol fuel cell systems will further the success of fuel cell power solutions in defense applications.

Peter Podesser, CEO – SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG added;

The new U.S. Army order reconfirms the success of our cooperation, and DuPont’s and SFC’s expertise in integrating the latest technologies into solutions with superior user benefits for our customers. Based on this, there is a significant potential for portable and vehicle-based autonomous power applications that require full systems solutions combining fuel cells and batteries as a system. Fuel-efficient, lightweight, silent and emission-free power sources are a unique way to achieve customer requirements and ultimate customer satisfaction.

About SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG

SFC Smart Fuel Cell is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries. Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped over 14,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for five years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2000 certified. SFC is based in Brunnthal, Germany, and has a U.S. sales and technical service office in Atlanta.

NREL

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu announced today the investment of up to $11.8 million—$5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—for five projects designed to advance the next stage of development of solar energy grid integration systems (SEGIS).

The selections announced today are part of DOE’s continuing work to help assure [...]]]>  

NREL

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu announced today the investment of up to $11.8 million—$5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—for five projects designed to advance the next stage of development of solar energy grid integration systems (SEGIS).

The selections announced today are part of DOE’s continuing work to help assure the nation’s electrical grid reliability is maintained and improved as solar energy technologies reach cost competitiveness and increased levels of integration with the grid.

“Solar energy will be a critical factor in achieving the President’s goal of creating new jobs as part of a clean energy economy,” said Secretary Chu. “By integrating renewable energy onto the grid now, we can deliver power more reliably and effectively, lower utility bills for American families, and help rebuild our economy along the way.”

Initiated in 2008, the SEGIS activity is a partnership that includes DOE, Sandia National Laboratories, industry, utilities, and universities and emphasizes complete system development. The selected projects focus on the most promising technology advances and include development of intelligent system controls. These projects ultimately seek to maintain or improve power quality and reliability, as well as return economic value while increasing integration of solar technologies into the U.S. electrical grid.

The selections announced today include:

PVPowered of Bend, Oregon: PVPowered will partner with Portland General Electric (Portland, Oregon), South Dakota State University (Brookings, South Dakota), Northern Plains Power Technologies (Brookings, South Dakota), Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (Pullman, Washington), and SENSUS (Raleigh, North Carolina). The project will reinforce the fundamental objectives of the SEGIS program to optimize interconnections across the full range of emerging PV module technologies through innovative systems integration.

DOE cost share: up to $3 million

Petra Solar of South Plainfield, New Jersey: Petra Solar will work with the University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida) and fifteen electric utilities with service in New Jersey, Pennsylvania; Ohio; Delaware; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Florida; and Texas. This project complements the mission of the Solar Program to achieve the widespread adoption of solar energies. It supports improving reliability and resiliency so that high levels of PV integration can be adapted.

DOE cost share: up to $2.9 million

Princeton Power of Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton Power will work with Transistor Device Inc (TDI), LaGuardia Community College (New York, New York), Idyllwild Municipal Water District (San Diego, California), National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (Princeton, New Jersey), Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (Princeton, New Jersey), Premier Power, SPG Solar (Novato, California), and Spire (Bedford, Massachusetts). This project focuses on lowering manufacturing costs through integrated controls for energy storage and develops new inverter designs.

DOE cost share: up to $2.8 million

Apollo Solar of Bethel, Connecticut: Apollo Solar will work in collaboration with Saft Batteries (Valdosta, Georgia), the Electric Power Research Institute (Knoxville, Tennessee), and California Independent System Operator (Folsum, California). This project creates innovative inverters using energy storage and two-way communications between solar electrical systems and utilities.

DOE cost share: up to $1.5 million

Florida Solar Energy Center/UCF: Florida Solar Energy Center will work with Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts), SENTECH, Inc. (Bethesda, Maryland), SunEdison (Beltsville, Maryland), Cooper Power Systems EAS (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Northern Plains Power Technologies (Brookings, South Dakota), and Lakeland Electric Utilities (Lakeland, Florida). This project focuses on solving technical challenges that must be overcome to include higher PV penetration levels in larger electrical systems.

DOE cost share: up to $1.3 million