As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future powered by renewable energy, energy storage systems have become a critical component of the infrastructure. Energy storage batteries, which store energy in chemical form, are a key technology in this space. Here are two growth trends for energy storage batteries that are emerging.
1. Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have been around for several decades, but they have recently gained much attention due to their high energy density, long-life, and ability to be charged quickly. These batteries are commonly used in applications such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. As the world moves towards a more renewable energy grid, lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly important as they enable energy storage for solar and wind power.
One growth trend for lithium-ion batteries is the development of new chemistries that can increase their energy density even further. Companies such as Tesla and Panasonic have been working on developing new types of lithium-ion batteries that can store more energy in the same amount of space, which would make them even more useful for electric cars and stationary energy storage applications. For instance, Tesla has been working on its 4680 battery cell technology, which is expected to have a 16% increase in energy density while reducing the cost per kWh by 14%. Similarly, researchers at MIT have been exploring the use of a cobalt-free lithium-ion battery chemistry, which could be less expensive to produce and also more environmentally friendly.
Another growth trend for lithium-ion batteries is the increasing adoption of smart battery management systems (BMS). A smart BMS can optimize the use of the battery to extend its life and improve its performance. For instance, it can balance the charging and discharging of the batterycells to prevent overcharging or undercharging, which can reduce the lifespan of the battery. Additionally, it can monitor the health of the battery and provide real-time data on its performance, which can help users make informed decisions about when to charge or discharge the battery.
2. Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery in which two liquids are pumped through a membrane to generate electricity. Flow batteries have a significant advantage over traditional lithium-ion batteries in that they can be scaled up or down easily, which makes them ideal for applications that require large-scale energy storage, such as grid-level storage. Flow batteries are also excellent for long-duration storage as they can be charged and discharged without degradation.
One significant growth trend for flow batteries is the development of new chemist.