Boys' Toys?

Energy storage is an area that will probably see a lot of research as clean energy gathers steam. In fact it will have to be developed alongside new energy source technologies. Are we doing enough?

Most renewable sources are infirm and not available when the demand is at its peak. It makes sense to look at storage. Storage means a good energy density, storage capacity and speed of discharge.

Energy densities of batteries and capacitors are much lower than that of fossil fuels. From lead acid to lithium ion to silicon based, the density rises but is still limited. Combining the storage capacity of batteries and discharge speed of capacitors will yield the perfect energy storage. Nanotech capacitors are promising but will take time. That is where simple technologies like flywheels and compressed air could come in.

Where flywheels work on the inertia principle and keep spinning when small amount of electricity is supplied, when the power is gone they keep spinning. But not for too long. At most they can provide power for a few minutes. But innovation is at work in reducing friction, using lighter materials, etc.

Perhaps compressed air can provide a longer period of stored power? Compressed air energy storage technology basically takes excess energy from a power plant or renewable energy and is used to run air compressors, which pump air into an underground cave where it is stored under pressure. When the air is released, it powers a turbine, creating electricity.

The problem here is finding the right place underground. Read more.

As is clear, these are all simple concepts, and work like toys that most boys like. Right?