Researchers at Stanford University have developed a prototype manganese-hydrogen battery system, that could provide utility scale power. The battery system creates a reversible electron-exchange between water and manganese sulfate. The prototype battery system is expected to last over ten years. Manganese sulfate is an inexpensive industrial salt, that is used to make dry cell batteries, paper and fertilizers.
The industrial application of the manganese-hydrogen battery system is in the storage of weather dependent renewable energy, like wind and solar energy. Battery storage systems are also required to create microgrid systems, which can redistribute power when a major power outage occurs. The utility can use the microgrid to redistribute power to hospitals and first responders during the power outage.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has established utility-scale electrical battery storage criteria. The DOE criteria for grid-scale storage systems includes the following:
• Battery system should cost $2,000.
• Battery must store at least 5,000 recharges.
• Battery must have a useful life span of more than ten years.
• Battery must store and then discharge at least 20 kilowatts of power over a one-hour period.
The DOE forecasts the amount of renewable energy for electrical power will increase in the United States from 18% in 2018 to 30% by 2030. Solar and wind power are forecast to show the most significant growth in renewable energy from 2018 to 2030. Solar and wind power will never provide continuous sources of energy. There is no solar energy at night and the speed of the wind does vary. Battery storage systems can remove the inconsistent supply of renewable energy like solar and wind power.
Effective electrical battery storage systems will be essential if the United States is to meet or exceed the DOE’s forecast of 30% electrical power from renewable energy by 2030. In my opinion, Stanford University’s manganese-hydrogen battery system is very positive news in the quest to reduce greenhouse gases around the world.