Good Batteries vs Bad Batteries?
We define a “good battery” as one that enhances the efficiency of the total energy system. Conversely, a “bad battery” diminishes it. This distinction matters and must not be…
Hybrid horizons: industrial use of batteries?
…for hybridizing engines with backup batteries: the engines are always run at efficient, 80-100% loads, including to charge up the batteries, which can better cover lower intensity energy needs. Hybrid…
Scaling Up Renewables and Batteries
…backstop. We conclude that renewables will cap out at 45-50% of grids, even with the benefit of batteries. Beyond 50%, curtailment surpass 70%, trebling incentive pricing. Large-scale batteries also increase…
Leading Companies in Redox Flow Batteries
We have compiled a database of 25 leading companies in Redox Flow Batteries, starting by looking across 1,237 patents filed about the technology since 2017 (all patents are summarized in…
Shipping in batteries: the economics?
What if it were possible to displace diesel from high-cost, high-carbon “island” electricity grids, by charging up large batteries with gas- and renewable power, then shipping the batteries? This model…
Lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles: what challenges?
This data-file tabulates the greatest challenges for lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles, which have been cited in 2020’s patent literature. Specifically, the work contains a sample of 100 patents…
Boeings and batteries?
…would require the batteries to weigh 12x more than the entire plane, at batteries’ current energy density. The maximum range of a battery-powered 747 is currently around 90km. With some…
CO2 emissions from batteries: when do EVs break even?
This data-file tabulates the CO2 intensity of producing lithium ion batteries for automotive use, split across 10 different components, informed by the technical literature. Producing the average EV battery emits…
Energy storage: batteries versus supercapacitors?
Supercapacitors may eclipse lithium ion batteries in the hybridization of transport and industry. Their energy density is improving. Potential CO2 savings could surpass 1bn tons per year. IRRs of 10-50%…
Lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles: what costs?
This data-file disaggregates the costs of electric vehicle batteries, which have been reported at $156/kWh in 2019. But how much deflation lies ahead, and is it possible to reach competitiveness…