Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are breaking new ground in renewable energy storage by investigating how an innovative type of battery can fail. Their research aims to develop a battery that can reliably store wind and solar energy—produced inconsistently due to weather and time of day—for long-term use on the electric grid [1].

Figure 1. Renewable Energy Storage.

Typically, batteries store and release energy by moving ions between electrodes through a liquid electrolyte. ORNL researchers, however, have engineered a more advanced battery using a solid electrolyte that allows sodium ions to travel with improved conductivity and durability [2]. Figure 1 is an illustration of renewable energy storage.

While solid electrolytes are widely considered the future of battery technology, challenges remain—especially in understanding their performance under demanding conditions. To study this, the ORNL-led team tested their battery under high currents and voltages, using a powerful X-ray beam at Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Photon Source. This allowed them to observe ions settling into pores within the electrolyte, eventually forming structures that can lead to short circuits.

“We can use this information to understand how to improve this really promising solid electrolyte material that could support storing renewable energy for longer periods,” said ORNL researcher Mengya Li [3]. This insight moves scientists closer to creating batteries that can support a steady supply of clean energy, making renewable power sources more reliable on a large scale.

Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

References:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241108113806.htm
2. https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-solid-state-renewable-energy-storage.html
3. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1064136

Cite this article:

Hana M (2024), Cracking the Code for Long-Term Renewable Energy Storage: ORNL Scientists Study Battery Failure to Design for Success, AnaTechmaz, pp. 74