Recent research from Shanghai Jiao Tong (Transport) University explores an innovative way to store and manage energy, using advanced superconducting technology. This could revolutionise energy storage, particularly in hydrogen-battery systems.
The Problem to Solve
Energy storage is crucial for the transition to renewable energy, but it remains one of the biggest challenges. Efficiently storing energy, especially in large systems, is tricky because it often results in energy losses. For renewable energy sources like solar or wind, which are intermittent by nature, the ability to store surplus energy efficiently is essential. This is where high-temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage (HTS-MES) systems come into play.
The New Advance
The research lights the way to further optimising energy storage in hydrogen-battery systems using HTS-MES. These systems can store large amounts of energy with minimal loss, thanks to the superconducting materials that can carry electricity with virtually zero resistance. But even HTS-MES systems experience some energy loss, particularly in the form of AC (alternating current) losses.
The researchers have developed new energy management strategies to minimise these AC losses. These strategies ensure that the superconducting system operates as efficiently as possible, even when working in tandem with hydrogen and battery storage systems. The study introduces optimised ways of managing the power flow between the battery and hydrogen subsystems, ensuring minimal energy wastage.
Important Implications
This combination of hydrogen storage and superconducting magnetic energy storage offers a powerful solution for large-scale renewable energy storage, like in electric ships or power grids. By reducing energy losses, this system could significantly improve the efficiency of renewable energy systems, making it more feasible to rely on renewables for large, continuous energy demands.
The implications for reducing carbon emissions are profound. A more efficient energy storage system means less reliance on fossil fuels as backup energy sources, bringing us closer to a clean energy future.
This study shows that by integrating advanced technologies like HTS-MES and optimising energy management, we can take a massive leap forward in how we store and use renewable energy. Imagine a world where solar and wind power can be stored with minimal loss, ready to be used when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
As we continue the global push towards reducing carbon emissions, innovations like this will play a crucial role in creating more reliable and sustainable energy systems.
Source
AC loss optimization of high temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage considering energy management strategies in a hydrogen-battery system, Journal of Energy Storage, 2024-11-01
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