Intel is researching ways to dramatically increase battery storage capacity using special nanomaterials. Nanoscale materials are usually defined as those with dimensions smaller than a tenth of a micrometer. If the researchers are successful, the discoveries could lead the way to new smart grid storage units – an area that is still largely out of reach with current technology.
The storage research project is one of several currently in the works at an energy systems research facility that Intel opened in May of last year. The lab is used to study microgrids – experimental islands of renewable power generation, energy storage, and control systems in a localized distribution grid. Tomm Aldridge, lab director, believes the microgrid could represent the smart grid of the future.
“It’s way too early to announce any results, but we are taking what we think is a fresh look at building ultracapacitors using our expertise in nanomaterials fabrication and high volume manufacturing,” said Aldridge in an interview with EETimes. “The research targets are to exceed energy storage of battery technology in terms of energy density and figure out how to assemble these nano-capacitors into ultracapacitors that have useful voltage ranges.”
Ultracapacitors are capacitors that have an unusually high energy density when compared to other capacitors. Ultracapacitors have thousands of times the energy capacity of regular capacitors of the same size.
Intel’s energy storage project is focusing on the use of specially developed coatings that allow for the much greater capacity that could be useful in large battery arrays. Major universities such as MIT and Stanford are also researching the use of nanomaterials to develop ultracapacitors. The high capacity batteries are being developed with a longer life and would be able to survive in harsh conditions much better than traditional Li-ion batteries.
Aldridge suggested the idea of studying microgrids to Intel Labs management. Many believe these self-sufficient miniature power grids are an attractive alternative to today’s largely centralized systems that are run by power companies. “I was becoming interested in smart grids and scalable microgrids as a research topic and felt Intel needed to have a voice in the debate backed up by research,” he explained.
“My perception is we are at the infancy of being able to define a comprehensive smart grid strategy that includes end user control and benefit. Microgrids in emerging economies and new policies and practices allowing collaboration between microgrids in data and energy flow will be exciting areas.”
Other subjects the lab is studying include microgrid infrastructure, energy sensors, smart buildings, and universal connections for plug-in vehicles. The new lab at Rio Rancho, New Mexico will hire as many as 12 scientists as part of that state’s Green Grid Initiative. Intel is also building solar power generation at Rio Rancho - one of eight locations where the company said it will build 2.5 megawatts of solar power capacity. “We are looking at Rio Rancho as a living experiment in microgrids.”
Intel
2200 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA 95054
http://www.intel.com
“It’s way too early to announce any results, but we are taking what we think is a fresh look at building ultracapacitors using our expertise in nanomaterials fabrication and high volume manufacturing,” said Aldridge in an interview with EETimes. “The research targets are to exceed energy storage of battery technology in terms of energy density and figure out how to assemble these nano-capacitors into ultracapacitors that have useful voltage ranges.”
Ultracapacitors are capacitors that have an unusually high energy density when compared to other capacitors. Ultracapacitors have thousands of times the energy capacity of regular capacitors of the same size.
Intel’s energy storage project is focusing on the use of specially developed coatings that allow for the much greater capacity that could be useful in large battery arrays. Major universities such as MIT and Stanford are also researching the use of nanomaterials to develop ultracapacitors. The high capacity batteries are being developed with a longer life and would be able to survive in harsh conditions much better than traditional Li-ion batteries.
Aldridge suggested the idea of studying microgrids to Intel Labs management. Many believe these self-sufficient miniature power grids are an attractive alternative to today’s largely centralized systems that are run by power companies. “I was becoming interested in smart grids and scalable microgrids as a research topic and felt Intel needed to have a voice in the debate backed up by research,” he explained.
“My perception is we are at the infancy of being able to define a comprehensive smart grid strategy that includes end user control and benefit. Microgrids in emerging economies and new policies and practices allowing collaboration between microgrids in data and energy flow will be exciting areas.”
Other subjects the lab is studying include microgrid infrastructure, energy sensors, smart buildings, and universal connections for plug-in vehicles. The new lab at Rio Rancho, New Mexico will hire as many as 12 scientists as part of that state’s Green Grid Initiative. Intel is also building solar power generation at Rio Rancho - one of eight locations where the company said it will build 2.5 megawatts of solar power capacity. “We are looking at Rio Rancho as a living experiment in microgrids.”
Intel
2200 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA 95054
http://www.intel.com
