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This report provides information about the DOE Office of Electricity Energy Storage Peer Review held in 2019 and includes posters reviewed in these categories: postdoctoral, validated reliability and safety performance, equitable regulatory environment and analytics, applied materials (Materials I), power electronics, industry acceptance, partnerships, and Materials I.
Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been commercialized as electrical energy storage devices in many common applications. Unlike lithium, sodium (Na) is both easy to find and is inexpensive, with wide supplies of precursors available on land and from salt water through desalination. Hybrid sodium ion capacitors and dedicated high power sodium ion batteries (NIBs) are emerging extremely fast charge time systems that employ two-dimensional carbon electrodes to store the charge. They are finding use in regenerative braking energy storage for cars, busses and public rail. To date, fast charge storage mechanisms in two-dimensional carbons are not understood. This combined experimental – simulation research will provide new fundamental insight into these unexplored but essential aspects of Na storage. A range of carbon structures and chemistries will be analyzed using advanced methods, including neutron scattering and first principles simulation. This work will yield the first new series of scientific insights on where in the carbon structure the Na ions reside and on their transport characteristics.
Under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Convergent Aeronautical Solutions (CAS) project, NASA Glenn Research Center has been leading Multifunctional Structures for High Energy Lightweight Load-bearing Storage (M-SHELLS) research efforts. The technology of integrating load-carrying structures with electrical energy storage capacity has the potential to reduce the overall weight of future electric aircraft. The proposed project goals were to develop M-SHELLS in the form of honeycomb coupons and subcomponents, integrate them into the structure, and conduct low-risk flight tests onboard a remotely piloted small aircraft. Experimental M-SHELLS energy-storing coupons were fabricated and tested in the laboratory for their electrical and mechanical properties. In this paper, finite element model development and structural analyses of two small test aircraft candidates are presented. The finite element analysis of the initial two-spar wing is described for strain, deflection, and weight estimation. After a test aircraft Tempest was acquired, a load- deflection test of the wing was conducted. A finite element model of the Tempest was then developed based on the test aircraft dimensions and construction detail. The component weight analysis from the finite element model and test measurements were correlated. Structural analysis results with multifunctional energy storage panels in the fuselage of the test vehicle are presented. Although the flight test was cancelled because of programmatic reasons and time constraints, the structural analysis results indicate that the mid-fuselage floor composite panel could provide structural integrity with minimal weight penalty while supplying electrical energy. To explore potential future applications of the multifunctional structure, analyses of the NASA X-57 Maxwell electric aircraft and a NASA N+3 Technology Conventional Configuration (N3CC) fuselage are presented. Secondary aluminum structure in the fuselage sub-floor and cargo area were partially replaced with reinforced five-layer composite panels with M-SHELLS honeycomb core. The N3CC fuselage weight reduction associated with each design without risking structural integrity are described. The structural analysis and weight estimation with the application of composite M-SHELLS panels to the N3CC fuselage indicate a 3.2% reduction in the fuselage structural weight, prior to accounting for the additional weight of core material required to complete the energy storage functionality.
Under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Convergent Aeronautical Solutions (CAS) project, NASA Glenn Research Center has been leading Multifunctional Structures for High Energy Lightweight Load-bearing Storage (M-SHELLS) research efforts. The technology of integrating load-carrying structures with electrical energy storage capacity has the potential to reduce the overall weight of future electric aircraft. The proposed project goals were to develop M-SHELLS in the form of honeycomb coupons and subcomponents, integrate them into the structure, and conduct low-risk flight-tests onboard a remotely piloted small aircraft. Experimental M-SHELLS energy-storing coupons were fabricated and tested in the laboratory for their electrical and mechanical properties. In this report, finite element model development and structural analyses of two small test aircraft candidates are presented. The finite element analysis of the initial two-spar wing is described for strain, deflection, and weight estimation. After a test aircraft Tempest was acquired, a load-deflection test of the wing was conducted. A finite element model of the Tempest was then developed based on the test aircraft dimensions and construction detail. The component weight analyses from the finite element model and test measurements were correlated. Structural analysis results with multifunctional energy storage panels in the fuselage of the test vehicle are presented. Although the flight test was cancelled because of programmatic reasons and time constraints, the structural analysis results indicate that the mid-fuselage floor composite panel could provide structural integrity with minimal weight penalty while supplying electrical energy. To explore potential future applications of the multifunctional structure, analyses of the NASA X-57 Maxwell electric aircraft and a NASA N+3 Technology Conventional Configuration (N3CC) fuselage are presented. Secondary aluminum structures in the fuselage sub-floor and cargo area were partially replaced with reinforced five-layer composite panels with M-SHELLS honeycomb core. The N3CC fuselage weight reduction associated with each design without risking structural integrity are described. The structural analysis and weight estimation with the application of composite M-SHELLS panels to the N3CC fuselage indicate a 3.2% reduction in the fuselage structural weight, prior to accounting for the additional weight of core material required to complete the energy storage functionality.
Here, the first rechargeable lithium batteries were built 50 years ago, at the same time as the Materials Research Society was formed. Great strides have been made since then taking a dream to domination of portable energy storage. During the past two decades, the demand for the storage of electrical energy has mushroomed both for portable applications such as for the iPhone and electric vehicles and for more than 1 GWh grid applications. As storage and power demands have increased, the batteries have evolved with their chemistries being pushed to the limits. This has resulted in the energy densities almost doubling and the cost dropping by more than an order of magnitude. However, the present electrochemical systems are still too costly to penetrate major new markets, still higher performance is required, and environmentally acceptable and sustainable materials are required.
The disclosure relates to particle heaters for heating solid particles to store electrical energy as thermal energy. Thermal energy storage directly converts off-peak electricity into heat for thermal energy storage, which may be converted back to electricity, for example during peak-hour power generation. The particle heater is an integral part of an electro-thermal energy storage system, as it enables the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy. As described herein, particle heater designs are described that provide efficient heating of solid particles in an efficient and compact configuration to achieve high energy density and low cost.
Advanced 28 volt silver-cadmium electrical energy storage system
To alleviate the energy and environmental crisis, in the last decades, energy harvesting by utilizing optical control has emerged as a promising solution. Here we report a polar crystal that exhibits photoenergy conversion and energy storage upon light irradiation. The polar crystal consists of dinuclear [CoGa] molecules, which are oriented in a uniform direction inside the crystal lattice. Irradiation with green light induces a directional intramolecular electron transfer from the ligand to a low-spin Co III centre, and the resultant light-induced high-spin Co II excited state is trapped at low temperature, realizing energy storage. Additionally, electric current release is observed during relaxation from the trapped light-induced metastable state to the ground state, because the intramolecular electron transfer in the relaxation process is accompanied with macroscopic polarization switching at the single-crystal level. It demonstrates that energy storage and conversion to electrical energy is realized in the [CoGa] crystals, which is different from typical polar pyroelectric compounds that exhibit the conversion of thermal energy into electricity.
Long-duration energy storage is commonly viewed as a key technology for providing flexibility to the grid and broader energy systems over a multidecadal time frame. However, prior work has typically used present-day grid infrastructures to characterize the relationship between the duration and arbitrage value of storage in electricity markets. This study leverages established National Renewable Energy Laboratory grid planning and operations tools, analysis, and data to execute a price-taker model of an energy storage system for several 8760 h price series representative of current and future contiguous United States grid infrastructures with varying shares of variable renewable energy (VRE). We find that the total value of energy storage typically increases with VRE shares, but any increase in the relative value of longer storage durations over time depends on the region and grid mix. Some regions see incremental value increasing notably, up to 20–40 h in 2050, while others do not. The negative effect of lower roundtrip efficiency on value is also found to be scenario-dependent, with the energy value in higher VRE scenarios being less sensitive to roundtrip efficiency and more supportive of longer storage durations. Long-duration storage value and deployment potential are a function of evolving electricity sector infrastructure, markets, and policy, making it critical to consistently revisit potential long-duration storage contributions to the grid.
Many countries, subnational jurisdictions, and companies are setting net-zero emissions goals; however, questions remain about strategies to reach these targets, policy measures, technology gaps, and economic impacts. Here, we investigate the potential policy implications of reaching economy-wide net-zero CO 2 emissions across the United States by 2050 using results from a multi-model comparison with 14 energy-economic models. Model results suggest that achieving net-zero CO 2 targets depends on policies that accelerate deployment of zero- and low-emitting technologies that have seen rapid cost reductions in recent years (including wind, solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles) as well as relatively nascent options (including carbon capture and storage, advanced biofuels, low-carbon hydrogen, advanced nuclear, and long-duration energy storage). While net-zero policies are likely to lower fossil fuel consumption, including considerable coal and petroleum reductions, achieving net-zero emissions does not necessarily mean phasing out all fossil fuels. Model results indicate that the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy and climate provisions amplify near-term decarbonization but that net-zero policies have larger impacts on long-run outcomes. Stringent climate policy can have large fiscal impacts on tax revenue and government spending—revenues from carbon pricing and subsidies for carbon removal range from 0.1 % to 3.7 % of GDP in 2050 across models. Each dollar per metric ton carbon price leads to a 0.06 % to 0.31 % reduction in economy-wide CO 2 emissions relative to a reference scenario with current policies. Spending on energy across the economy decreases relative to today for many models under reference and net-zero policies, especially as a share of GDP, due primarily to end-use electrification and energy efficiency.
Sodium-ion batteries have attracted widespread attention for cost-effective and large-scale electric energy storage. However, their practical deployment has been largely retarded by the lack of choice of efficient anode materials featuring large capacity and electrochemical stability and robustness. Herein, we report a durian-inspired design and template-free fabrication of a robust sodium anode based on triangular pyramid arrays of Bi 0.75 Sb 0.25 alloy electrodeposited on Cu substrates. The Bi 0.75 Sb 0.25 arrays exhibit an appreciable electrochemical robustness for sodium storage, sustaining a reversible capability 335 mAh g –1 at a high rate of 2.5 A g –1 and 87% of the initial capacity over 2000 cycles. We further demonstrate the applicability of the Bi 0.75 Sb 0.25 array anode in sodium full cells by pairing it with a Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C cathode. This full cell achieves a high specific energy of 203 Wh kg –1 (based on both active electrodes). Such an enhanced performance is attributed to the thorny-durian-like architecture and bimetallic alloy composition. In conclusion, the pyramid tip induces ion enrichment for rapid charge-transfer reaction, while the alloy design reduces the electrode volume swelling for stable Na cycling.
Zinc anodes are a powerful platform for understanding metal deposition and for low-cost electrical energy storage.
The energy system infrastructure that delivers power to a building's loads needs to be resilient to withstand and recover from extreme outages (e.g., grid faults that leave millions of people without power during severe weather events). Building-level electrical distribution systems (BEDSs) distribute power from a building's energy sources - including the grid, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and batteries - to its loads, including lighting, HVAC, and plug loads. BEDS with storage can provide resilience by distributing local electricity supply to critical loads during an outage. Quantitative metrics are needed to assess the resilience improvements associated with new BEDS and storage system technologies. In this paper, we apply an existing metric, the probability of outage survival curve (POSC), to BEDS with storage and propose novel metrics that improve upon POSC. Through a simulation-based case study, we demonstrate how these metrics are impacted by the BEDS design and how they can be used to design a resilient system.
NASA has performed in-depth research and analysis into hybrid-electric aircraft concepts featuring high levels of electrification. Many of these concepts were found to be infeasible, whereas feasible designs were significantly heavier and more costly compared to conventional concepts. This study presents the development and analysis of an alternative mild hybrid concept that uses relatively low levels of stored electric energy applied strategically throughout the mission. The team researched several mild hybrid technologies, developed integrated aircraft models, and then evaluated the effects of these technologies on vehicle level performance metrics. Technologies explored in this study include the Turbine Electrified Energy Management system, electric taxi, electric climb assist, and replacing the auxiliary power unit with on-board electric energy storage. Key enabling technologies were energy storage devices that prioritized high power output over energy capacity and integrating electric motors with the shafts of the gas turbine engines. Significant performance improvements were observed when applying multiple technologies separately and in combination, with the most promising configuration incorporating all of them at once. Results for the mild hybrid configuration indicate an 8.2% reduction in block fuel, a 7.7% reduction in equivalent CO2 emissions, and a 3.5% increase in gross takeoff weight compared to a conventional baseline. Results of a cost analysis suggest the mild hybrid slightly reduces direct operating cost plus interest, which demonstrates that aircraft emissions can be significantly reduced without the cost increases associated with highly electrified concepts.
The energy system infrastructure that delivers power to a building's loads needs to be resilient, such that it can withstand and recover from extreme outages (e.g., grid faults that leave millions of people without power during severe weather events). Building-level electrical distribution systems (BEDSs) distribute power from a building's energy sources - including the grid, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and batteries - to its loads, including lighting, HVAC, and plug loads. BEDS with storage can provide resilience by distributing local electricity supply to critical loads during an outage. Quantitative metrics are needed to assess the resilience improvements associated with new BEDS and storage system technologies. In this paper, we apply an existing metric, the probability of outage survival curve (POSC), to BEDS with storage and propose a set of novel metrics that improve upon POSC. Through a simulation-based case study, we demonstrate how these metrics are impacted by the BEDS design and how they can be used to design a resilient system.
This report presents the results of a study examining the value potential for geothermal energy storage (GES), a long-duration energy storage resource that stores thermal and/or geomechanical energy in the subsurface. GES could benefit the overall U.S. power system by temporally shifting electricity generation (supply-side) or meeting building heating and cooling load (demand-side). This report analyzes supply-side and demand-side opportunities independently because of differences in applications and models. Currently there is significant uncertainty about the development costs for GES, with only a limited number of demonstration plants for electric energy storage and building heating and cooling storage developments. In this report, we estimate the value of supply-side and demand-side GES to the bulk power system in the contiguous United States. Because of the significant uncertainty about GES development costs, this analysis does not consider GES deployment costs but instead focuses on the value of GES to the U.S. electricity system. The estimated values of GES provide reference points for economically competitive commercial cost targets. Supply-side GES is modeled as part of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) generation plant in NREL's Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) capacity expansion model (Ho et al. 2021). In contrast to conventional geothermal plants, which generate constant power, EGS plants have unique features that may allow for in-reservoir energy storage for flexible generation. Demand-side GES for heating and cooling, including seasonal hot and cold storage and short-duration heat pump storage, is incorporated into a price-taker model using Cambium electricity marginal cost projections. To establish an upper bound for the value of GES, analysis focused on favorable scenarios for storage with high generation from zero marginal cost, variable renewable energy resources. High penetrations of variable renewable energy generation can increase hourly electricity price variability, which increases the value of temporal energy arbitrage for storage technologies like GES.
It is noted that the worldwide development of solar photovoltaic and wind turbine systems to meet a range of terrestrial electrical energy requirements has underscored the need for inexpensive and reliable electrical energy storage. The NASA Redox Energy Storage System, based on soluble aqueous iron and chromium chloride redox couples, has exhibited many system-related features which for the most part are unique to this storage system. The technology advances required in the two elements (electrodes and membranes), which are the key to its technological feasibility, have been attained and system development has begun. The design, construction, and testing of a 1-kW system integrated with a solar photovoltaic array is underway to provide early demonstration of the attractive system-related features of the NASA Redox Storage System. Also demonstrated will be its versatility and compatibility with a terrestrial solar photovoltaic electric power system.