The Transformative Energy Science and Technology (TEST) initiative with the US Dept of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed batteries that can absorb carbon-dioxide from power plants or large factories (boilers, ovens) and use it to store energy. The CO2 is bubbled through an electrolyte solution where it combines with dissolved sodium or aluminum in the presence of a power source – like intermittent solar or wind power.
The reaction can be reversed to produce power when needed, releasing the CO2.back to the atmosphere, or the metal- CO2 compound can be removed from the solution as a solid, locking the CO2 into place. The solid can be sold for various products. The reaction also produces hydrogen (useful in fuel cells) and oxygen.
Work continues to improve the efficiency and longevity of the batteries. The technology uses very common materials to store energy, unlike lithium batteries that are energy intensive to produce and metals like cobalt that are in short supply. So, the very problem of CO2 might actually power the solution! – Steve Terry, DTC HVAC & Refrigeration Instructor
Mechanical PE Exam Prep That Works
Pay Up Front and Save $100!
Test Drive Your Course for Only $50!
Pay-As-You-Go and Start for Only $50!
Don’t miss out on the latest posts (and more)! Follow DTC on:
