Scientists find new ways to store solar energy but commercialization is too difficult

For decades, scientists have been looking for an economical and effective method to collect, store and release solar energy. But Swedish researchers say they have found a solution that can use the energy emitted by sunlight to heat a range of consumer applications, from homes to cars, and heating efficiency is expected to exceed traditional batteries. But the biggest challenge now is how to commercialize it.

It is reported that scientists at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg have found a way to store the collected solar energy and release it in the form of heat energy when needed, and the longest storage time for solar energy can be For decades, this innovation includes an energy-trapping molecule, an energy storage system that is expected to exceed the effectiveness of traditional batteries in heating, and an energy storage coating that can be applied to windows and textiles. The breakthroughs made by the team led by researcher Kasper Moth-Poulsen have won wide acclaim in the scientific community. The real test now is whether Moss Paulson can allow investors to support his technology and bring it to market.

This system is derived from liquid molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. When exposed to sunlight, this molecule can absorb the energy of sunlight and save it, releasing heat under the action of a catalyst when needed. Researchers spent nearly 10 years and $ 2.5 million to create a dedicated energy storage unit. Moss Paulson, a 40-year-old professor of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, said that the stability of this energy storage unit can exceed the current market. On any typical lithium-ion battery, the life of the latter is generally 5 to 10 years.


Pictured: Kasper Moth-Poulsen and the solar energy storage fluid he developed

An advanced transparent coating developed by the team has potential commercial applications, which can be applied to residential windows, mobile vehicles, and even the clothes that are usually worn. The transparent coating can collect solar energy and release heat, reduce the power consumption required to heat the space, and suppress carbon emissions. Moss-Paulson is demonstrating this transparent coating technology by covering the entire campus building. He said that the early ideal use for clear coatings was relatively small spaces. "This may be able to heat electric cars or houses."

A big unknown is whether this system can generate electricity like traditional solar technology. Although Moss-Paulson believes that this technology has unlimited potential, the focus of his team's current research is heating. The research team led by Moss-Paulson is one of 15 research groups using molecular thermal solar systems to solve climate change issues. One of the motivations for these studies is the "Paris Agreement", which requires signatories to strive to control global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Moss-Paulson plans to spin off a company to advance the technology, and said he is negotiating with venture capital investors. According to his estimates, to bring this coating to market, an additional US $ 5 million in start-up capital is required. In May this year, the solar project of Moss-Paulson won the Arnbergska Prize of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Moss-Paulson did not accurately estimate the cost of this technology, but he realized that this technology must be affordable. The cost advantage is that the system does not require any rare or expensive elements. Jeffrey Grossman, a professor of materials science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is also developing energy storage molecules. He said "If we want to see the commercialization of this energy conversion energy storage method," Charles The work of the Merce University team is "critical."

Peter Schossig, head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Systems in Freiburg, Germany, said he hopes to help the Swedish team translate research results into products. But he said, "There is still a long way to go." (Author | Chenchen)

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