Solar energy is, no doubt, a very promising technology, and besides, still and environmentally friendly. But there is one problem: energy storage. If its just not use – losses will be very significant. Of course, you can use Li-ion batteries or the more interesting development, but it would be far better to create a technology that would preserve the energy of the sun for a long period of time. And, it seems, a group of researchers from Sweden have succeeded. According to experts, the newly developed energy can last up to 18 years!
For the development of responsible scientists from the Technical University of Chalmers. A year ago, they were able to create a molecule, which is based on carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. When exposed to sunlight, the molecule alters the spatial arrangement of atoms. That is, while maintaining the molecular structure, it goes to another form, called an isomer. Most interesting is that during this process, the molecule becomes a “carrier” of energy and if it is to return in its original condition energy will be released. It remains to find the use of this technology and the search for solutions took 1 year. In the end we have project MOST (Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage) and Molecular storage of solar thermal energy.
Schematic device MOST
“The energy in this isomer can now be stored for up to 18 years. And when we want to produce energy and use it at the output we get more heat than expected.” — said the Professor of the Department of chemistry and chemical engineering of the Technical University of Chalmers the head of research group, Kasper moth-Poulsen.
For energy harvesting, use a special reflector with tube in the center. It tracks the movement of the Sun across the sky and works on the type of satellite antenna, following the sun. After collection, the molecules dissolve in the liquid and kept in this state until, until you need to release the energy back. In order to obtain energy from the molecules of the isomer, it is in liquid form must pass through the catalyst. In the end, after the changes of the spatial structure of the temperature of the liquid rises to 63 degrees Celsius. Scientists believe that MOST can be installed on the roofs of houses for the absorption of sunlight in the warm period, and the resulting energy can be used to heat homes in the cold.
“There is still a lot of things. We have just launched a prototype of the running system. Now we need to optimally design the rest of its parts.”
This and other news you can discuss in our chat in Telegram.
Developed a way of storing solar energy for 18 years
Vladimir Kuznetsov