Store Solar Energy – Is it possible?
Solar energy is one of the energy sources that many herald as being a great alternative to fossil fuels. However the sun doesn’t always shine. How to store solar energy has been a question that has accompanied solar technology for years.
The drawback with getting energy from the sun is that it doesn’t work at night or in the depths of winter. An energy source that requires you to check the weather report before you plan your usage is of limited use.
MOST – Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage
In fact Swedish scientists actually cracked this problem of storing the solar energy in 2017. The technology is known as MOST, Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems.
This MOST technology is based on a specially designed molecule of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that changes shape when it comes into contact with sunlight.
A change in shape turns it into an ‘energy-rich isomer’ – a molecule made up of the same atoms but arranged differently. The isomer can then be stored in liquid form for later use when needed, such as at night or in the depths of winter.
A catalyst releases the saved energy as heat while returning the molecule to its original shape, ready to be used again.
Researchers have spent years refining the system and it is now possible to store the energy for 18 years.
But storing the energy is only one problem.
How to store solar energy and change into electricity
A new study published in Cell Reports Physical Science recently revealed this has been cracked.
The Swedish researchers sent their unique molecule, loaded with solar energy to China. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University released and converted the molecule into electricity using a generator they have developed.
“The generator is an ultra-thin chip that could be integrated into electronics such as headphones, smart watches and telephones,” says researcher Zhihang Wang from Chalmers University of Technology.
“So far, we have only generated small amounts of electricity, but the new results show that the concept really works. It looks very promising.”
The sun is an abundant source of energy. The ability to ship the power of the sun around the world would be a major step forward in renewable energy usage.
This technology could potentially replace batteries and solar cells. There is little dispute these days that we need to reduce and then eliminate the use of fossil fuels. This new innovation holds out hope that this can be reached.
The technology needs to be improved to the point where the amount of power that can be produced can be increased. As with all new technology the cost of production will have to be reduced before it becomes a mainstream source of energy.
So you won’t be throwing away your traditional chargers just yet but the ability to store solar energy for years and then release power in remote areas offers hope for the future.
