There is a lack of knowledge on the variety of energy storage technologies, and thus on how to care for and operate them in a safe manner in the domestic and small commercial scale context.
Although battery storage is a low-risk technology, it is important that systems are installed and maintained by an accredited installer, and that industry best practice is developed.
Continue reading “Battery safety”
Excellent video about the life-cycle of E-Waste. The same principle applies to many of the energy storage batteries currently on the market.
We need companies to be accountable for all areas of their products from health effects of people in third world countries producing products, to toxic products in their use, and recyclability of products at end of life .
A major new study by the CSIRO and the main networks lobby says a decarbonised energy grid by 2050, with half of generation produced and stored locally, will save billions in upfront capital costs and consumer bills, and deliver a secure electricity system.
(See also out story CSIRO, networks put lie to conservative campaign against wind and solar).
In a direct rebuff to the renewable energy scare campaign and myth-making being played out in the political arena, the premier scientific body and Energy Networks Australia say that wind and solar will provide nearly all our electricity needs by 2050, and the system will be cheaper for all customers. Continue reading “CSIRO sees $100bn savings in zero carbon grid by 2050”
Worldwide, the use of energy storage from renewable sources is rising, as more countries commit to renewable energy targets and attempt to reduce costs. As an example, Australia has experienced remarkable growth in installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in recent years. Energy storage technologies are the next logical step; once they are sufficiently available at the right price point, they are likely to have a similar market penetration to solar PV.
The present lag in scientific understanding of battery energy storage systems at the domestic and small commercial level is contributing to a clear gap in policy development for battery storage best practices. The difference in pace between the development of standards versus the technology is likely to be a significant policy issue on a global scale. Continue reading “Are batteries guilty as charged?”
Most energy storage systems use lead-based or lithium based batteries, but there are other, lesser known technologies that work as well or better than the popular chemistries.
One of those chemistries is the Sodium Nickel Chloride battery manufactured by FIAMM in Switzerland, which uses sodium and nickel metals with a solid ceramic electrolyte, with the entire battery running at around 270 °C! While this sounds scary, it is a well developed and mature technology with high efficiency and long cycle life, making it idea for domestic and commercial energy storage systems.
The Quantum smart energy storage system from Grid Edge uses a FIAMM Sodium Nickel battery to store energy for load shifting, backup power and self-consumption of solar power generation. The system, designed and made in Australia, is available in 9.6 and 19.2 kWh usable storage capacities (basically the same unit with either one or two battery modules), has a 4.5 kW continuous/9 kW peak inverter and a cycle life of 3000 to 4500 cycles at 80% DOD. Shelf life is rated at greater than 20 years! System operating temperature range is -40 °C to 60 °C, making it ideal for use in extreme climates. Both battery and system are warranted for five years and the battery units are 100% recyclable.
Article by Lance Turner taken from Renew Magazine – Issue 136 Continue reading “Quantum Sodium Nickel battery system – Renew magazine”
One of the things that you should consider when putting battery storage on your home is whether or not the battery 
will be recyclable at the end of its life.
Often, one of the reasons that people put solar panels on their house and put in battery storage to collect the excess usage is to protect the environment and reduce the need for coal powered power stations.
This can be counterproductive if you choose a battery that is made from toxic materials or has components that can’t be recycled.
The FIAMM SoNick battery is 100% recyclable and already has a recycling program in place. The battery materials are recycled to produce stainless steel, the nickel and iron go into alloys and the salt and ceramic are used for road beds.
Continue reading “Is your battery recyclable?”