4 ms·
>However, the theoretical maximum energy efficiency of this unit, assuming no heat losses from the tanks, will probably be poor compared to LiIon or pumped stor
by aphextron 9y ago
>However, the theoretical maximum energy efficiency of this unit, assuming no heat losses from the tanks, will probably be poor compared to LiIon or pumped storage
But Li-ion is orders of magnitude more expensive than what they're proposing (no matter how cheap the cells are getting), and couldn't possibly be deployed at this scale. It's more useful for stop-gap loads when you need instant discharge. Pumped hydro is only possible when the local geography is perfect for it and there is an abundance of water. The reality is that our future will require a host of different technologies like this working in synergy to provide grid scale energy storage. No single solution will become the standard.
- Retric 9y agoEV batteries are at $227 / kwh and are on target to hit $100 per kWh in 2020. Because, costs tend to drop as production ramps up. Average american uses 35 kwh per day. 5% of US daily grid storage is an excessive goal, but assuming 100$/kwh would only cost 3,500$ / person. Assuming they last ~15 years that's under 20$/month which is clearly a deal killer, but not exactly impossible. PS: Hydro storage is generally a much better option, but as a supplemental option batteries could be very useful.
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]
- maxerickson 9y agoDo you say 5% but then calculate the cost for 100%?
- Retric 9y agoI was unclear, I meant even 100% is not impossible. Though, I suspect 5% is a vastly more reasonable upper bound.