To meet the boom in demand for household solar energy, the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) has awarded Gridtential Energy Inc. and Electric Applications Inc (EAI) a research project to generate sophisticated plug-and-play solar-powered energy storage systems for US homes.
The new research project will combine Gridtential’s pioneering Silicon Joule technology with the testing expertise of EAI to develop high voltage reference batteries specifically for the behind-the-meter (BTM) energy storage applications.
“This exciting partnership will delve into the performance of bipolar lead battery packs using sizing commonly seen in residential energy storage systems,” said Dr. Matt Raiford, Technical Manager of CBI.
Gridtential Energy is the pioneer of Silicon Joule, a first-of-its-kind bipolar battery technology, which uses silicon wafers in traditional lead batteries. The design-driven batteries reduce weight and are performance competitive with lithium-ion at a lower cost.
BTM energy storage is critical for the decarbonization efforts and increased demand for renewable energy in US homes. This has led to the need for safe, low-cost, high-performing batteries in easy-to-connect packages which integrate renewable energy for the residential market.
“Integrated PV-battery backup system is a fantastic application for Silicon Joule technology due to its superior cycle life, low cost, safety, and recyclability; all of which are of utmost importance to residential consumers and small business owners and set this technology apart from other batteries,” said John Barton, CEO of Gridtential.
According to the Consortium, the collaboration will involve constructing mini-systems using Silicon Joule bipolar batteries for testing, with EAI developing an optimized charge scheme to replicate real-life energy storage systems.
This builds on CBI’s technical roadmap goals, to maximize cycle life and energy throughout --two key technical parameters for renewable energy storage.
“Demand reduction and renewable energy storage applications are a booming market for advanced lead batteries and the most popular in the residential sector. This project will contribute to a new battery technology being available to meet growing demand in the United States and further afield,” said Dr. Raiford of CBI added.
The innovation research project is building on CBI's 2021 technical program aimed at enhancing the performance of lead batteries for energy storage.
By Shraddha Kakade,
Asst. Editor, Emerging Technology News.