4 ms·
Battery cost is on the same downward trend as everything else, with new chemistries subtracting step functions. (Watch iron/air, zinc/bromine, antimony/calcium.
by ncmncm 4y ago
Battery cost is on the same downward trend as everything else, with new chemistries subtracting step functions. (Watch iron/air, zinc/bromine, antimony/calcium.)
But for bulk storage, there are still cheaper technologies that cost only per MW to store or extract, not per MWh stored, like batteries. Tankage is cheap.
The per-MW cost is for motor-generators attached to hydro turbine, air compressor, or winch; or for nitrogen liquifier and turbine; or for electrolyser and fuel cell or combined-cycle turbine.
Storing in transportable tanks affords extra revenue opportunities.
- ben_w 4y agoI don't think that answers my question. I think the stated prices may mean something other than what they look like they mean.
- ncmncm 4y agoCost for motor/generators is not changing, but the tech is extremely mature. Costs for electrolysers and fuel cells are both falling fast. Air compression and liquidation are both mature technologies, but might respond to a massive increase in usage by getting cheaper. A survey of storage technology pilot projects show people doing much more expensive versions of each than will be deployed. The incentives for pilot projects favor over-complex systems based on over-complex processes described in papers that had to be that to get academic attention as novel, and grants likewise. When civil engineers get involved, systems will get radically simpler and cheaper. Probably designs will trade off efficiency, as the cost for a little extra power is much less than for complexity.