Energy storage: Difference between revisions
(→Types) |
|||
Line 102: | Line 102: | ||
There are more options for this type of energy storage, because it's stationary (not moving in a vehicle). | There are more options for this type of energy storage, because it's stationary (not moving in a vehicle). | ||
<!-- TODO: add better estimates. | |||
NOTE: when these numbers change, also update the calculations on the pages for each energy storage type. | |||
TALK: if a lot of calculations have to be reused in a lot of pages, consider creating a template | |||
--> | |||
These numbers might be reused on other wikipages to assess the large-scale viability of various types of energy storage. Don't worry if you're not familiar with <code>terajoules</code> as an [[energy/units|energy unit]]. | These numbers might be reused on other wikipages to assess the large-scale viability of various types of energy storage. Don't worry if you're not familiar with <code>terajoules</code> as an [[energy/units|energy unit]]. |
Revision as of 13:27, 27 January 2023
In the pursuit of green energy, storage is needed for 2 reasons:
- To smooth out the intermittency of solar and wind power.
- To store energy in electric vehicles.
Types
Type | Main issues |
---|---|
Lithium-ion batteries | Needs too much cobalt |
Lithium-sulfur batteries | Can't handle enough charge cycles |
Sodium-ion batteries | Tech not ready yet |
Sodium-sulfur batteries | Tech not ready yet |
Lead-acid batteries | Toxic / hazardous |
Iron redox flow batteries | Not suited for vehicles |
Hydrogen gas | Energy losses, rare metal catalysts |
Compressed air | ? |
Pumped hydro | Only viable in rare geographical locations |
Gravity blocks | Outrageously high environmental footprint of construction |
Flywheels | ? |
For more details, read the wikipage of each energy storage type. Links are in the table.
So far, sodium-based batteries seem to have the most hope of being a widespread solution - along with iron-based batteries for stationary energy storage.
How much energy storage might be needed?
Some quick estimates:
Vehicles
https://ev-database.org/cheatsheet/useable-battery-capacity-electric-car
https://hedgescompany.com/blog/2021/06/how-many-cars-are-there-in-the-world/
^ This could be reduced by (calculation loading)walkability and public transit (specifically trains).
Other
We subtract transport because it was already dealt with above. We subtract industrial because - in principle, most factories/industry could just run during peak sunlight/wind, needing negligable energy storage.
^ This could be reduced by alternative heating/cooling systems for homes/buildings. (calculation loading)
There are more options for this type of energy storage, because it's stationary (not moving in a vehicle).
These numbers might be reused on other wikipages to assess the large-scale viability of various types of energy storage. Don't worry if you're not familiar with terajoules
as an energy unit.