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Researchers
say they have taken a very key step forwards in making an
amazing molecule that can actually
store solar energy. Publishing their latest findings in the
scientific journal Energy
and Environmental Science, the team from Chalmers University of Technology
in Sweden first showed off their solar-storing molecule last year.
Made
from carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, the molecule is transformed into an
“energy-rich isomer”, one made of the same atoms but bound in a different way,
when it is hit by sunlight. The isomer can then be stored as a liquid, with the
energy being used later. Much later.
"The
energy in this isomer can now be stored for up to 18 years,” Kasper
Moth-Poulsen, the team’s leader, said in a statement.
“And when we come to extract the energy and use it, we get a warmth increase
which is greater than we dared hope for."
The
entire system is called Molecular Solar
Thermal Energy Storage (MOST). Sunlight is captured by the liquid, via
a solar thermal collector on the roof of a building. This is essentially a
concave reflector with a pipe in the middle, which tracks the Sun’s path like a
satellite dish.
The
collector focuses the Sun’s rays to a point through the pipe onto the liquid.
The liquid is then stored at room temperature to conserve the energy, and when
energy is needed a catalyst is used to heat up the liquid.
In
their latest paper, the team said they had further developed the catalyst that
makes this possible, which can control the release of the energy. It creates a
reaction to warm the liquid by 63°C (113°F), while also allowing the molecule
to be used again.
They
have also been able to stop using a potentially dangerous chemical called
toluene, which is flammable, as part of the liquid for the system. And they
also say the whole thing is emissions-free too, and can work all year round. While they’ve proven the system is viable, the team
now want to get it all working together smoothly.
They
want to get the temperature increase up to at least 110°C (198°F) also, with a
view to making the technology commercial in 10 years.
"There
is a lot left to do,” said Moth-Poulsen. “We have just got the system to work.
Now we need to ensure everything is optimally designed."
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