A Zn↔ZnO loop for terawatt-scale storage of solar electricity

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper an alternative to battery storage of solar electricity is proposed, in which storage and generation are performed by two separate devices. Storage is realized in an electrolytic cell which reduces a metal oxide to metal through solar electricity, and the produced metal anode generates electricity on demand in a metal/air battery. By separating storage and generation, this approach allows centralized storage and distributed generation with distributed optional grid connectivity. The theoretical performance is calculated for many metal↔metal oxide cycles. Based on material abundance, theoretical performance, process simplicity and technical readiness, the Zn↔ZnO cycle is proposed for this closed sustainable energy loop. The amount of Zn required for terawatt-scale storage of solar electricity is estimated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2016 IEEE 43rd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages2011-2014
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781509027248
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 18 2016
Event43rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2016 - Portland, United States
Duration: Jun 5 2016Jun 10 2016

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Volume2016-November
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other43rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period6/5/166/10/16

Keywords

  • electrochemical processes
  • energy storage
  • photovoltaic systems
  • zinc

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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