Metals Tech

Patio furniture company SunVilla and tech company Suntek have paired up to launch a solar + battery powered storage shed that can charge electric outdoor lawn equipment.

It’s called the Solar Powered Smart Yard, and its solar panels and semi-solid-state batteries power electric yard tools and outdoor furniture while they’re being stored.

And while the companies don’t actively promote it, their photo above shows electric bikes being stored, so it looks as though you could power up your e-bikes with clean energy in the shed as well.

Semi-solid-state batteries – in which one electrode doesn’t contain a liquid electrolyte and the other electrode does– are smaller, more stable, safer, and less expensive than lithium-ion batteries. They can achieve higher energy density, and they’re cheaper than li-ion batteries, but they’re still challenges with semi-solid batteries in terms of scale and commercialization.

The Solar Powered Smart Yard’s 6.4 kWh semi-solid state battery system features a 3.8 kW output, and 100-200 W solar panels are mounted on the shed’s roof.

Multiple devices can be powered in the solar + battery storage shed at the same time, and of course it also functions as – well, a shed – to store stuff.

The two companies are also producing electric outdoor power equipment that can be charged up in their clean energy shed:

The Solar Powered Smart Yard has Internet of Things technology and is controlled and monitored using the Suntek Smart Link app.

Suntek’s Solar Powered Smart Yard is available to retailers at Atlanta trade show Casual Market this month and to US consumers in late 2023.

High in the Austrian Alps, hundreds of construction workers toil in a huge underground project aimed at storing hydropower as climate change has reduced the country’s water-dependent electricity production. Austria draws more than 60 percent of its electricity output from the renewable energy source, compared to a global average of 16 percent, with more than 3,100 dams spread across its rivers. But the amount of electricity generated through hydropower in the European Union country is down—from some 45 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2020 to 42 TWh in 2021—as water levels are falling. For the first time last year, Austria—which also still relies heavily on Russian gas—had to import electricity, ringing alarm bells. Inside the snow-capped mountain range, above the Austrian village of Kaprun in the Salzburg region, trucks thunder in and out of the vast subterranean construction site, which is dotted with statues of Saint Barbara, patron of miners and others plying dangerous trades. Excavation work for the Limberg 3 pumped storage power plant is wrapping up.

‘Well prepared’

The plant is to be operational by 2025 to store power in order to cater to peaks in electricity consumption and mitigate a change in weather patterns, including increasingly capricious and irregular rainfall. “We want to be prepared well,” said Klaus Hebenstreit, an executive of main electricity producer Verbund. “The distribution (of water) over the year will change: we will have less water in summer (due to drought) and more in winter” due to snow melt, he added. Two years of drought have hit Austria, like the rest of Europe, according to Roman Neunteufel, a senior researcher at Vienna’s University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. “If there are several dry years in a row, then this becomes very noticeable… Water levels have never been lower since records began” some 100 years ago, he said. Europe should brace for more deadly heatwaves driven by climate change, said a report last month by the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The report noted the world’s fastest-warming continent was some 2.3 degrees Celsius hotter last year than in pre-industrial times. In the Alps, glaciers saw a new record mass loss for a single year in 2022, caused by very low winter levels of snow, a hot summer as well as deposits of wind-blown Saharan dust.

Difficult diversification

Verbund, a semi-public company, continues to pour billions of euros into hydropower generation despite criticism from activists who say the dams and plants have a big impact on the environment. “Hydropower expansion must be ecologically and socially compatible…. The complete expansion of hydropower is not the solution to our energy problem. Instead, it is necessary to save energy,” the Word Wildlife Fund says on its site. Verbund is looking at alternatives. “Water will continue to be extremely important for us, but we also want to develop photovoltaic and wind energy… We are diversifying,” Hebenstreit told AFP in Vienna on a day temperatures soared to 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit). Austria, which aims to draw all of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030, has been slow to develop wind and solar power, which make up only 13 percent of its electricity. “Solar energy is wonderfully abundant in summer… But production is too low in winter, precisely when we need it for heating,” Neunteufel said. “And with wind, it’s even harder to plan: There can be days any time without wind, and then wind power production largely stops,” he said.

Solid electrolytes with high lithium-ion conductivity can be designed for millimeter-thick battery electrodes by increasing the complexity of their composite superionic crystals, report researchers from Tokyo Tech. This new design rule enables the synthesis of high-entropy active materials while preserving their superionic conduction.

As the world transitions towards a greener and more sustainable energy economy, reliance on lithium (Li)-ion batteries is expected to rise. Scientists from across the globe are working towards designing smaller yet efficient batteries that can keep up with the ever-increasing demand for energy storage.

In recent years, all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have captured research interest due to their unique use of solid electrolytes instead of conventional liquid ones. Solid electrolytes not only make the battery safer from leakage and fire-related hazards, but also provide superior energy and power characteristics.

However, their stiffness results in poor wetting of the cathode surface and a lack of homogenous supply of Li ions to the cathode. This, in turn, leads to a loss of capacity in the solid-state battery. The issue becomes more pronounced in thick battery cathode electrode such as millimeter-thick one, which is a more advantageous electrode configuration for realizing inexpensive and high-energy-density battery package, compared to conventional electrode with typical thickness of <0.1 mm.

Fortunately, a study published in Science found a way to overcome this problem. The paper—authored by a team of researchers led by Prof. Ryoji Kanno from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)—describes a new strategy to produce solid electrolytes with enhanced Li-ion conductivity. Their work establishes a design rule for synthesizing high-entropy crystals of lithium superionic conductors via the multi-substitution approach.

“Many studies have shown that inorganic ionic conductors tend to show better ion conductivity after multi-element substitution probably because of the flattened potential barrier of Li-ion migration, which is essential for better ion conductivity,” points out Prof. Kanno.

This was where they started their research. For the design of their new material, the team took inspiration from the chemical compositions of two well-known Li-based solid electrolytes: argyrodite-type (Li₆PS₅Cl) and LGPS-type (Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂) superionic crystals. They modified the LGPS-type Li_9.54Si_1.74P_1.44S_11.7Cl_0.3 via multi-substitution and synthesized a series of crystals with composition Li_9.54[Si_1−δM_δ]_1.74P_1.44S_11.1Br_0.3O_0.6 (M = Ge, Sn; 0 ≤ δ ≤ 1).

The researchers used a crystal with Ge = M and δ = 0.4 as a catholyte in an ASSLB with an 1- or 0.8- millimeter-thick cathode. The former and latter ASSLB exhibited discharge capacities of 26.4 mAh cm⁻² at 25 °C (1 mm) and 17.3 mAh cm⁻² at −10 °C (0.8 mm), respectively, with the area-specific capacity 1.8 and 5.3 times larger than those reported for previous state-of the-art ASSLBs, respectively.

Theoretical calculations suggested that the enhanced conductivity of the solid electrolyte could be a result of the flattening of the energy barrier for ion migration, caused by a small degree of chemical substitution in the above-mentioned crystal.

This study provides a new way for preparing high-entropy solid electrolytes for millimeter-thick electrodes while preserving their superionic conduction pathways. “In effect, the proposed design rule lays a solid groundwork for exploring new superionic conductors with superior charge–discharge performance, even at room temperature,” concludes Prof. Kanno.

Two and a half years after first sharing plans to implement a 150 kWh solid-state battery pack in its EVs, NIO appears poised to finally do just that. The automaker’s digital user manuals now feature specifications of the solid-state pack, supplied by WeLion – debuting on the upcoming ES6 SUV. The additional supports recent promises from NIO’s chief that customers in China will be able to select the energy-dense pack as early as this month.

During its 2020 NIO Day event, held in January of 2021, Chinese EV automaker NIO unveiled a 150 kWh pack, featuring solid-state battery cells configured to the same design of its current lithium-ion cells. At the time, the company was promising its new pack could deliver 1,000 km (620 miles) of range on a single charge.

Like many solid-state technologies we’ve covered in recent years, full-scaled commercialization always feels two years away. While many battery developers have introduced and even showcased less volatile and more energy-dense technology that easily bests lithium-ion chemistry, few have been able to scale to a level that offers cost parity with the current cell standard.

NIO itself has faced several delays in implementing the new pack in its EVs, to the point that we had sort of brushed it off altogether. That changed this past May when the automaker made a filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CMIIT), noting intentions to sell three existing EV models with expanded battery capabilities provided by solid-state battery developer WeLion.

During the launch of NIO’s ES6 at the end of May, we learned that the new SUV will be the first of those three EVs to offer the 150 kWh solid-state pack as an option to customers. Following new details in its customer manual, we’ve learned the exact specifications of this new pack, offering further hope we may truly see it toll out in July.

NIO’s solid-state pack is over 40% more energy dense

According to details in NIO’s EV user manuals pointed out by CnEVPost, the new 150 kWh solid-state pack is slightly heavier but significantly more energy dense than the 100 kWh lithium-ion pack from CATL currently being offered to customers.

For example, NIO’s solid-state pack weighs 575 kg (1,268 lbs), 20 kg (44 lbs or 3.6%) heavier than the 100 kWh packs (555 kg). Additionally, the new pack’s energy density is 261 Wh/kg, 44.44% higher than the 180 Wh/kg the 100 kWh lithium-ion pack is offering.

Despite its higher density, the 150 kWh pack has the same length, width, and height of its 100 kWh predecessor (2,062 mm, 1,539 mm and 185.6 mm, respectively), helping the transition into actual production vehicle proceed more smoothly.

NIO’s solid-state battery manufacturer WeLion shared in a July 1 press release that it had officially begun delivering the 150 kWh packs to the EV automaker on June 30 and confirmed the two companies signed an annual order – although it did not disclose its size.

While solid-states are being planned for at least three NIO EVs, it appears those customers who reserved an ES6 (or EL6 in the EU) may be able to take advantage of the better range first. NIO chairperson and CEO has shared the ES6 will be able to garner 930 km (577 miles) of range on a single charge with the 150 kWh pack.

That’s not 1,000 km as promised, but SUVs are less aerodynamic than sedans, so we’d expect another NIO EV like the ET5, for instance, to hit the centennial mark in kilometers. We will keep an eye out to see when the 150 kWh truly becomes selectable to NIO customers and are interested to see which model(s) will see it delivered first.

Countries around the world are seeking innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions while meeting energy security and economic development needs. From rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) to offshore wind, creative energy generation sources have solved challenges associated with typical renewable energy sources such as land use restrictions and geographical constraints.

For countries with abundant solar resource potential and limited land availability, floating PV, or FPV, has emerged as a potential clean energy solution. In a first-of-its-kind assessment, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers, funded by the laboratory’s partnership with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Regional Development Mission for Asia, completed an analysis of FPV potential for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The report, “Enabling Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) Deployment: FPV Technical Potential Assessment for Southeast Asia,” estimates the technical potential for the 10 ASEAN countries and is coupled with an FPV data set that is publicly accessible through the USAID-NREL Partnership’s Renewable Energy (RE) Data Explorer tool.

Untraditional solutions for traditional demands: The case for floating photovoltaics in Southeast Asia

While traditional renewable energy sources (solar arrays, wind farms, etc.) are effective types of energy generation, they often come with land-use challenges and concerns.

By contrast, FPV arrays are situated on water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, or water treatment ponds, where they can be installed alone or in combination with hydropower dams. This method of installation eliminates land use concerns and makes use of spaces that may otherwise go unused for energy generation. This is particularly of interest in cases where hydropower infrastructure is planned or already in place, and increased frequency or severity of drought may raise concerns around electricity reliability.

Increasing energy security

Such is true for Southeast Asia, a region with significant existing hydropower infrastructure yet some concerns around energy security during periods of drought and water scarcity. Solar and hydropower are complementary energy resources, and FPV has the potential to firm up energy generation during periods of drought and low reservoir levels.

“While we can’t generalize about Southeast Asia as a whole, one thing that is basically universally true of the region is that it has an established network of hydropower generation sites. FPV can support these sources as water levels fluctuate to ensure grid stability,” said Evan Rosenlieb, a geospatial data scientist at NREL who performed the resource and technical potential analysis for this project.

“Additionally, much of the region is covered by rainforest ecosystems,” Rosenlieb said. “Siting PV on water can be a way to increase renewable energy generation without deforestation.”

The food-water-energy nexus

Furthermore, Southeast Asia is exploring other water-based solutions such as aquaculture—a method of farming where aquatic creatures such as fish, crustaceans, and others are raised on controlled water environments. Aquaculture sites present unique opportunities for FPV deployment and benefits.

“Along with its other co-benefits, FPV can play an important role in bolstering food security in Southeast Asia through incorporation with the region’s fast-growing aquaculture industry,” said Prateek Joshi, NREL energy engineer and lead author of the report.

“This emerging combination of aquaculture and photovoltaics, commonly referred to as AquaPV, can allow countries to colocate energy and food production on existing natural or artificially created water bodies while minimizing the overall environmental impact of both sectors,” Joshi said.

Meeting renewable energy goals

Countries across Southeast Asia have ambitious renewable energy generation goals that FPV can help make a reality. Together, ASEAN has set a target of 35% renewable energy installed power capacity by 2025, which has spurred these countries’ interests in aggressive and creative solutions, like FPV development.

“FPV is an option that can allow many of these countries to take advantage of high-quality solar resources to combat challenges such as land availability or rugged geographies that can make siting traditional renewable energy sources difficult,” said Sika Gadzanku, the NREL energy technology and policy researcher who led the development of this analysis. “They also offer resilience opportunities in regions that use a lot of hydropower but are facing droughts and significant changes in rainfall patterns.”

Determining technical potential and developing data for all

“Southeast Asia leads FPV deployment, and Thailand is emerging as a major player in this space. Our FPV work has really been demand-driven—several country partners and developers expressed their interest in FPV and in turn, we embarked on our first Southeast Asia-specific FPV analysis four years ago,” Gadzanku said.

Gadzanku is an emerging expert in FPV research and development. In the past four years, she has thoroughly examined FPV development in Southeast Asia, including a 2021 report detailing barriers to FPV deployment and a 2022 analysis of the operational benefits of FPV-hydropower hybrid systems.

Building off previous FPV studies, the NREL team used existing data on waterbodies, infrastructure, and energy resources to determine which waterbodies showed the highest potential for FPV development. They found that all the ASEAN countries have significant potential for FPV energy generation.

As these countries look ahead to begin developing FPV projects, data will be critical for their decision-making. To support developers, policymakers, and other regional stakeholders, the USAID and NREL teams made this technical potential data available through the RE Data Explorer tool.

“Among the four essential data required for successful FPV development, site location stands out as one of the most critical factors to consider due to geographic variations in Southeast Asian countries,” said Chatchai Mawong, assistant governor of power plant engineering and construction at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.”

Accurate and detailed data of the site location is crucial, as it affects the feasibility of project development in each location, as well as technology selection, project costs and eco-friendliness.”

This data set is the first FPV data to be added to RE Data Explorer, expanding access to the types of analyses Southeast Asian stakeholders can do to assess renewable energy generation.

“This data will lead to more discussions and can inform decisions on the potential role of FPV in the region. It wouldn’t have been possible without all the existing work of previous FPV studies and previous RE Data Explorer tool development,” Gadzanku said.

“The data is publicly accessible and can be used by all kinds of stakeholders—energy planners and modelers, developers, and researchers—to support more detailed FPV research activities and modeling and analysis efforts.”

A research group led by Professor Minoru Osada at the Institute for Materials and Systems for Sustainability (IMaSS), Nagoya University in Japan, in collaboration with NIMS, has developed a nanosheet device with the highest energy storage performance yet seen. Their results were published in Nano Letters. Innovations in energy storage technology are vital for the effective use of renewable energy and the mass production of electric vehicles. Current energy storage technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, has long charging times and problems, including electrolyte degradation, lifetime, and even unwanted ignition. One promising alternative is dielectric energy storage capacitors. The basic structure of the capacitor is a sandwich-like film made of two metal electrodes separated by a solid dielectric film. Dielectrics are materials that store energy through a physical charge displacement mechanism called polarization. When an electric field is applied to the capacitor, the positive charges are attracted towards the negative electrode. The negative charges are attracted towards the positive electrode. Then, storing electrical energy depends on the polarization of the dielectric film by applying an external electric field. “The dielectric capacitors have many advantages, such as a short charging time of only a few seconds, long life, and high power density,” Osada said. However, the energy density of current dielectrics falls significantly short of meeting the increasing demands for electrical energy. Enhancing the energy density would help dielectric capacitors compete with other energy storage devices. Since the energy stored in a dielectric capacitor is related to the amount of polarization, the key to achieving high energy density is to apply as high an electric field as possible to a high dielectric constant material. However, existing materials are limited by the amount of electric field they can handle. To go beyond conventional dielectric research, the group used layers of nanosheets made of calcium, sodium, niobium, and oxygen with a perovskite crystal structure. “The perovskite structure is known as the best structure for ferroelectrics, as it has excellent dielectric properties such as high polarization,” Osada explains. “We found that by using this property, a high electric field could be applied to dielectric materials with high polarization and converted into electrostatic energy without loss, achieving the highest energy density ever recorded.” The findings of the research group confirmed that nanosheet dielectric capacitors achieved a 1-2 orders of magnitude higher energy density while maintaining the same high output density. Excitingly, the nanosheet-based dielectric capacitor achieved a high energy density that maintained its stability over multiple cycles of use and was stable even at high temperatures up to 300°C. “This achievement provides new design guidelines for the development of dielectric capacitors and is expected to apply to all-solid-state energy storage devices that take advantage of the nanosheet’s features of high energy density, high power density, short charging time of as little as a few seconds, long life, and high temperature stability,” Osada said. “Dielectric capacitors possess the ability to release stored energy in an extremely short time and create an intense pulsed voltage or current. These features are useful in many pulsed-discharge and power electronic applications. In addition to hybrid electric vehicles, they would also be useful in high-power accelerators and high-power microwave devices.”