High-Power Zinc-Air Energy Storage
Technology Description:
Fluidic Energy is developing a low-cost, rechargeable, high-power module for Zinc-air batteries that will be used to store renewable energy. Zinc-air batteries are traditionally found in small, non-rechargeable devices like hearing aids because they are well-suited to delivering low levels of power for long periods of time. Historically, Zinc-air batteries have not been as useful for applications which require periodic bursts of power, like on the electrical grid. Fluidic hopes to fill this need by combining the high energy, low cost, and long run-time of a Zinc-air battery with new chemistry providing high power, high efficiency, and fast response. The battery module could allow large grid-storage batteries to provide much more power on very short demand—the most costly kind of power for utilities—and with much more versatile performance.
Potential Impact:
If successful, Fluidic's Zinc-air battery could last up to 5,000 charge and discharge cycles and would enable a grid-scale energy storage solution with the capacity to support the use of renewable power.
Security:
A more efficient and reliable grid would be more resilient to potential disruptions.
Environment:
Electricity generation accounts for over 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Enabling large-scale contributions of wind and solar power for our electricity generation would result in a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions.
Economy:
Increases in the availability of wind and solar power would reduce fossil fuel demand, resulting in reduced fuel prices and more stable electricity rates.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Eric Rohlfing
Project Contact:
Dr. Cody Friesen
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
cfriesen@fluidicenergy.com
Partners
Satcon Technology Corporation
Related Projects
Release Date:
03/02/2010